Session 5
Contemplative Prayer in Community

Dimensions of Contemplative Prayer
 

Reflection

The image for this session depicts the many dimensions of contemplative prayer in community. Not only do we gather often in real-time to pray together either in one-another’s presence or virtually, but the practices of contemplative prayer assist us in being present to realities that exist beyond our human selves. There is a holographic quality in such gatherings because we move in and through physical space and earthly time to enter domains of Spirit beyond both. There we encounter and meet with the divine Presence which always is and who eternally awaits us not only in the horizontal realms of earth, but as our Companion, Guide and Entry-way (Door) into communion with the other intelligences and dimensions beyond space and time along the vertical axis.

One can certainly learn and experience these practices alone. However, many of the forms of contemplative prayer taught across the world’s sacred traditions are meant to be learned and experienced first in community and then practiced alone personally, allowing a wider participation beyond our individual selves and personal proclivities. In the end, however, we practice both in community and alone in order to enjoy fellowship with the divine Presence continually.

What is known as morning and evening prayer in the Christian tradition, or the call to prayer or Sufi invocation in Islam, Sabbath prayers in Judaism, communal temple worship, and native rites and rituals are typically experienced inside a community of practitioners and worshippers. Where practitioners gather, there is usually a greater strength.

The Oriental Orthodox Order in the West has received many of these practices and incorporates them into traditional monastic rites and prayers, for example, the tradition of contemplative Morning and Evening prayer as a small group or in larger communal gatherings. We invite you to experience one such gathering that has been recorded from an ongoing series in an online community.

An Introduction to Morning Prayer

An Experience of Morning Prayer

Practice

  1. Visit the recorded morning prayer. Journal your impressions and experiences. If there are things that are new to you, note those and any questions you may have.

  2. Perhaps you are ready to join a live gathering online. We give you multiple options. Choose one (or more) and take advantage of this opportunity to experience the various ways Order members and friends, monks, priests and abbots experience and conduct contemplative prayer in a communal setting.

  3. If you have joined one, what did you learn or experience? What is your personal response? What are you questions?

  4. Would you like to join one of these communities on a regular basis? If you choose, you can certainly talk with any of its leaders and with some of its regular members to assist you or answer questions. Contact us to schedule a conversation.