These monks dreamed of taking the church’s rich, centuries-old tradition of contemplative prayer and distilling it into a simple, easily learned prayer that ordinary people could practice. They ...

First, I fidget. I cross and uncross my legs, fold and unfold my hands, bow and raise my head. I discover muscles I didn’t know I had, muscles that twitch, quiver, itch, and ache. So I waste several ...

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Wednesday encouraged people to embrace the contemplative dimension of being human both in prayer and one’s daily life. In his general audience address on May 5, the pope ...

The life of prayer is a process that has great advances and setbacks. There is no monotony when it comes to spending time with God. For those who commit themselves to pray, there is a daily adventure ...

Prayer is a mystery. Perhaps because, whatever else it may be, prayer is communion with the living God who is, above all else, a mystery. Sadly, one great mystery of prayer is the impoverished ...

Pope Francis leads his general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican May 5, 2021. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Below is the text of Pope Francis’ weekly Wednesday audience, ...

When the Church approaches contemplative prayer, she is led to give multiple and different definitions in her attempt to explain what it is. The multiple definitions are needed since no one definition ...

(The Conversation) — Most religions have periods of rest incorporated into their practice. Medical science has affirmed that short periods of contemplation can have benefits for one's physical and ...

Sr. Maria Elena Romero compares the work of contemplative life in this historic Synod of Bishops to that of the soldiers who guard for attacks in the rear of a mass of soldiers during battle. "There ...