Should I Contemplate or Meditate? YES! April 13, 2025

  “God calls each person to an encounter (with Him) known as prayer.” (CCC 2567) This “mysterious encounter” is fundamental to our spiritual life.   Two very ancient forms of ‘encounter’ with God are Contemplative and Meditative prayer.

So, which form should I use Contemplation or Meditation?   The derivation of this question comes from a misunderstanding of the process of prayer.  What is the process?  If we look at how Saints Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Ignatius of Loyola and Francis of Assisi taught prayer we find an essential core. 

Prayer begins with “settling one’s soul.” Finding a quiet place where we are in the presence of God alone.  Remembering that He calls us first, the next step is to read the Word of God.   Then one Meditates on the meaning of the Scripture.  This is a reflection more than an analysis, an opening of our mind to “hear God’s Word.”  One can then question God (colloquy) about the meaning. We speak to God.

One can stop here or take it further to Contemplation.  In this stage, one empties their mind of thought and “rests in the presence of God.”   Contemplation can be compared to waiting for someone to speak not knowing what they will say.  Yet at the same time accepting a priori what they may or may not say. God drives Contemplation.

 Contemplative Prayer is difficult to maintain. St. John of the Cross called it the Dark Night of the Soul. This because we need to enter an emptiness (Night) that only God can fill. This prepares the soul for perfect union with God.