Becoming Contemplative

Blog by Margaret Uche

In the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate (CDN) we had our day of reflection on contemplation led by Fr. Don Goergen. We also had an evening discussion on prayer as one of the four pillars with two friars and two sisters. This is an experience I had from this discussion and reflection.

During the discussions, we learned that contemplation is being in that sacred place, which is also a temple of Holy Spirit. It requires us to take a look into the deepest part of ourselves. This allows us to go inward, so that our lives might be transformed internally and in our exterior.  Then our heart can be opened and invited to go forth and share the fruit of our contemplation with others.

In this journey we are not alone. Even when prayer feels dry, God is present in our emptiness. Sometimes in that stillness we might have many different thoughts that enter our hearts. We learned the importance to

simply put those thoughts aside and let God work in us. We are in a relationship with God.

Just like in any other loving friendship, our personal connection with God requires our presence, time and nourishment so to grow deeper in that relationship.

In contemplative prayer we discover ourselves, having a sense of what is important.  We are invited to focus especially when we are being pulled in so many directions at one time. In this way, we get in touch with our real self. Here we discover the love of God.

My hope is that our prayer life will flourish this year as we enter into a deeper relationship with God.