Contemplation. It’s a word that has many meanings, and meaning to many. It’s used by those who are religious and non-religious, spiritual and secular. It has peaceful connotations, those of stillness and rest. Yet, for many Christians, it seems to be a non-Christian thing, thought that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are Christians who believe contemplation often relates to meditation, something which is done by Buddhists, pagans, and people who drink kombucha and do yoga…not well-minded Jesus followers! But they’re wrong. Contemplation is not only a Christian practice, but quite important to our faith.
As many of you may know, I love etymology. The word “contemplation” comes from the Latin “contemplationem”, meaning the “act of looking at”. It also relates further back to the words for “observe”. To contemplate is to observe. Yet, what should we observe?
Often, we think of contemplation as a quiet thing, and generally one done alone (though not necessarily so). In Psalm 46, the psalmist says “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In this stillness, we can find God. Yes, we can find him in worshiping, intensive Bible study, and serving others, but we definitely can in stillness.
In this stillness, there is also prayer. It is the quiet prayer of supplication, not chanted corporate prayer or loud prayer of praise and adoration (which are not bad things, just different sorts of prayer), but those gentle prayers of thanksgiving, fear, and facing the unknown. In the stillness, we can hear God (not as a voice, but as a feeling inside) when we clear our mind to observe, to contemplate, all that God has done for us. Additionally, we can simply sit in silence, a thing that becomes more difficult each day with each passing app, tweet, text, or status update. Just be still and listen, turn off your fears and doubts. Go wherever you feel closest to God…it could be a forest, a beloved bookshop, a comfy couch where you live. Go there, and make sure the space is peaceful. Turn off your phone, turn down any glaring lights, make sure any clutter is out of sight to rid yourself of distraction, and just be. Yes, you can talk, but be sure to listen more than you do. You also can perhaps meditate on a Bible verse or a quote you have heard. Let it surround you and encapsulate you. Obviously, you can pray, as I’ve said before. Or, you can sit in the stillness and see what happens. Regardless of what you choose to do, in your contemplation, let Holy Spirit wash over you as you attempt to become closer to God.
Tales of a Progressive Christian 