The Fellowship ofContemplative Prayer

The Prayer of Stillness

Suggested Bible Sayings

Here are just a few sentences from the Bible suitable for this way of prayer. Each one could be used daily for a week, a fortnight or even up to a month in the way described above. They are selected as sayings which clearly embody the Spirit of God and consequently have always been precious to Christians and other people of faith in their devotion.

I am with you always Matthew 28. 20

My peace I give unto you John 14. 27

I have loved you with an everlasting love Jeremiah 31. 3

These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full John 15. 11

Fear nothing, for I am with you... be not afraid for I am your God Isaiah 41. 10

Be still: and know that I am God Psalm 46. 10

My words shall never pass away; they are Spiritand they are life Mark 13. 31 & John 6. 63

Abide in me and I in you John 15. 4

I am the Lord who heals you Exodus 15. 26

I have come that you might have life, and have itin all its fullness Isaiah 10. 10

I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight Isaiah 45. 2

My grace is su�cient for you, for my strength ismade perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12. 9

The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer is an international informal grouping of people who are interested in pursuing the prayer of silence known as contemplative prayer. This paper gives a very brief outline of this kind of prayer.

For a fuller explanation and further details please write (enclosing stamps for reply) to the following:

The FCP Distribution Secretary1 Bachelors Cottage, Long Reach,Ockham, Woking, Surrey GU23 6PG

Local FCP Contact:

www.contemplative-prayer.org.ukReg Charity No. 298850

Following the way

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How to continue...

Having become outwardly and inwardly still and receptive, allow yourself a minute or two in which to hear these words being spoken by him to you, and respond to the Lord’s invitation: ‘Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11. 28). Reach inwards, taking to our Lord any pains, fears or troubles of the day.

After this short period of self-examination we are ready to receive the chosen saying. Having learnt by heart one of the sayings on this sheet, repeat it slowly over and over again in your mind. Do not try to think about the words; just listen to them and let them sink in.

It is important not to overdo it at �rst. This form of prayer is not a striving and an e�ort, but just being there, quiet and attentive. When you are more used to it, the silence can be lengthened, or another short period of the day may be devoted to it. Repeat this exercise daily for a period of time, a week, a fortnight or a month. Then take another saying and begin again...

What is Contemplative Prayer?

The prayer of stillness, or contemplative prayer, has been a recognised way of prayer through all the centuries. The Psalms give some instances of this method of waiting on God - for instance ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46. 10). This is the heart of silent prayer and the basis on which ordinary people down the centuries, as well as mystics and contemplatives, have come to know God, rather than just know about God.

It is based solidly on the Bible as the Word of God. Jesus said ‘The words I speak to you, they are the spirit and they are life’ (John 6. 63). We believe this is true. There are many words and promises of God spoken in the �rst person (e.g. ‘I am with you always’), by Jesus or through the prophets. These are words which God also speaks to us now, for they contain timeless and eternal truth (see Hebrews 1. 1-2). As we receive these living words, or sayings, deeply within us, we �nd our human personality is gradually illuminated more and more by the divine spirit and life of God at work in us. We are following St Paul’s instruction ‘Let the Word of God live in you richly’ (Colossians 3. 16).

How do I pray silently?

God says: ‘Be still and know that I am God’. Words like these help us to open our hearts and minds to God in a fresh way. We don’t need to speak when we pray - we listen!

How do I begin?

To receive the words of God as fully as possible, we must learn to relax, physically and mentally, and thus to reduce tension; for just as the sky cannot be re�ected in troubled waters, so the presence of God cannot be felt by a restless soul.

Find a moment when you have at least 10 clear minutes undisturbed. Choose a chair which is comfortable, but upright. Sit comfortably, but with the head and spine in as straight a line as possible. Slow down the rate of breathing, and breathe a little more deeply than usual. Sit relaxed and alert. Close the eyes or �x them on a point in the middle distance.

The Fellowship ofContemplative Prayer

Intercession

We can bring others within the silence by our will, allowing the saying to work on their behalf, with ourselves acting as channels of God’s grace. To the extent that we have ourselves received the spirit and life of God’s words, we are able to pass on the spirit and life to others.

The Watchword

If possible, recall the saying momentarily at other times of the day, especially last thing at night before going to sleep, and �rst thing on waking. This silent mindfulness at any time or in any place is an invisible and real strength to draw on. A shortened form of the sentence can be used: in the Fellowship we call this the watchword.

The Role of Prayer Groups

It is helpful to belong to a silent prayer group - as Jesus said - ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst’ (Matthew 18. 20). The support and encouragement of others is invaluable. In a group the leader for that day o�ers a saying to be used for the coming month. The leader outlines the signi�cance of it, with a time of silence at each stage:

• �rst, in terms of the thinking part of us (mind) • then, the part of us beyond conscious thought and feeling, in the depth of our lives (heart); • and �nally, the doing part of us (will). This last allows the group to share the names and situations for which to pray.

The silence experienced in a group can be deeper than that experienced alone. This can greatly help and encourage the individual in their regular prayer time.

What are the Results?

We should not seek any ecstatic or mystical results. In time the fruits of the prayer of stillness should become more visible in the quality of our daily life and in our awareness of God’s love for us.

Who is Silent Prayer for?

Silent prayer is suitable for anyone. Try it, and see if you gain any help from it; if not, don’t worry; there are other ways to pray. But busy people pressed at work and at home, as well as many others, have found that this way of silent prayer has really changed their lives. It is simple, yet profound; but it does need perseverance!

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