Page 119 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 7

Challenges for Christian Psychology

learning to offer the ‘emptying’ of self to give
space to God - and only God. Believing that this 8. Proposing contemplative practices to be a
practice is sacred and honoring to God, brin- means of prayerfully breathing new life into
ging us deeper into our relationship with God, evangelical circles that perhaps are languishing
and making our spiritual lives thrive as a com- or needing the refreshing breath of the Spirit of
munity of God-lovers. Being mindful that, as God.
Thomas Merton has counseled us: “No one tea- Conclusion
1
ches contemplation except God, who gives it.” The responses to questions on contemplative
Thus, knowing that contemplative prayer can- prayer and practices were intended to provide a
not be achieved by one’s own efforts or desire, glimpse into the use of these practices within an
but that is a gift from God to anyone honestly evangelical setting. The limitations of the small
seeking God in the mysterious depths between sample were acknowledged, yet it was believed
the human and the Divine. The prayerful inten- to portray a microcosm of some evangelical cir-
tion is to make this gift of contemplative prac- cles. The heartfelt responses of the participants
tice more known and more inviting. added value to the results and certainly provi-
ded a starting point for thoughtful reflection
3. Facilitating and making more customary of the experience of contemplative practices
and purposeful our dialogue about relation- within an evangelical setting. Inferences drawn
ship with God in these ways, enriches us all as from the responses suggested possibilities of
it brings into expression the many facets of God inviting meaningful engagement in them for
we can come to know and experience. Articula- those unfamiliar with or uncertain about these
ting our spiritual experiences in the deepening practices, as well as the need to nurture disco-
of our own spiritual life and relationship with very of the great gift of contemplative prayer to
the Trinity, makes possible the sharing of our those who are drawn to it in their spiritual quest
walk and our experiences, not just our worship for God.
and our petitions. Contemplative prayer and practices offer a
sacred space to come face to face with the God
4. Inviting a seeking and an awareness of God who is Present to each one in a unique and in-
through contemplative experiences, which timate way. Led by the Spirit into the Mystery
kindle an intimacy with God that goes beyond of God, and feeling the stirring of one’s own
the scope of ‘having a personal relationship spirit in response, or resting in the stillness of
with Jesus’, to one of ever-deepening love for the depths of God, are gifts freely disposed by
the Trinity. God who deeply desires the intimacy in this re-
lationship. Yet, contemplative prayer is not an
5. Attracting the younger generation to contem- obligation in our spiritual life. Rather, it is an
plative practices, valuing the generation which offering to God, at the invitation and leading of
is seeking personal meaning in place of accep- the Holy Spirit, to those who seek to follow God
ting traditional dogmas, which is seeking iden- into the depths of their spirit and his. Julian of
tity in relationships rather than in instructional Norwich tells us:
conventions. It is God’s will that we continue to seek him and
strive to behold him, waiting for the moment
6. Encouraging pastors and leaders in recogni- when he chooses by special grace to show us
zing the diversity within the Body, not only of himself. This does him the most honor and pro-
worship styles but also of prayer styles. fits you; it happens gently and effectively with
the guiding grace of the Holy Spirit.” 2
7. Exploring ways others in evangelical settings May we, in evangelical traditions, learn to seek,
have made known, invited, and engaged in con- wait, and behold God through the Holy Spirit,
templative prayer practices. in the special grace of contemplative prayer.

1 Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, (New 2 Colledge, E & Walsh, J., trans., Julian of Norwich:
York: New Directions Publishing, 2007), 271 Showings (New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1978)
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