Contemplative Outreach

Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer.  The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an ever-deepening union with the living Christ and the practical caring for others that flows from that relationship.  

            Our purpose is to share the method of Centering Prayer and its immediate conceptual background.  We also encourage the practice of Lectio Divina (spiritual reading of Scripture) particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular and established practice of Centering Prayer facilitates.

            We identify with the Christian Contemplative Heritage.  While we are formed by our respective denominations, we are united in our common search for God and the experience of the living Christ through Centering Prayer.  We affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religions and sacred traditions, with the needs and rights of the whole human family, and with all creation. 

Contact Phone: 619.226.6000

The Four Guidelines of the Centering Prayer Method and Practice

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s Presence and    Action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s Presence and Action within.
3. When you become aware of thoughts, return ever so gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.