what is comtemplative prayer and how is it done?

Answer 1

During contemplative prayer we center our full attention on the presence of God, on the will of God, and on the love of God. Contemplative prayer is centered on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by which we can know the presence of God in very real ways. We come before God and see Jesus with the eyes of our heart as we adore and worship God in quiet, silent prayer. When we practice contemplative prayer we stay quiet before the Lord and wait longingly for God.

One empties the mind of thought through repetition, usually of a word or phrase or focus on the breath. In this case the silence would be an absence of thought, all thought.

Contemplative Prayer is the normal development of the grace of baptism and the regular practice of Lectio Divina. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing - closer than consciousness itself. Contemplative Prayer is a process of interior purification leading, if we consent, to divine union.

Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within.

When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

Answer 2

When you pray,you are speaking to God almighty. Does he hear our prayers? what should we pray for? Praying to God strenghthens our relationship with him. If you want prayers to be heard from God you need to meet some minimum requirements.
You must have Faith.He that approachs God must believe that God is real,and that He becomes the rewarder of those that seek Him. Hebrews chapter11:verse 6
Sincere approach to God is also required,Be respectful after all he is GOD ALMIGHTY!
Another thing is God wants you to help him! whatever you pray for work ernestly toward that goal as best you can and let Him help you along the way. Let Him give to you this day your daily bread. Who do you pray to ? Jesus said it quite nicely at matthew chapter 6 verse nine pray to OUR FATHER which is in heaven.What do you pray for? Pray for anything as long as it is in harmony with the will of God.How long should our prayers be?The length of the prayer may vary according to needs and circumstances.How often should you pray? matthew 26:41 Pray incessantly! Why should we say amen at the end of the prayer? amen means so be it or surely also at the end..it is important for all of us to pray in the name of Jesus. Jesus is the saviour of the world. Jesus gave his life for all ..not just christians nor just jews nor just muslims . Jesus came down here to relieve sinful mankind of the burden of sin and death.The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. We the people of the earth need each other to come together to please God. Muslims and Jews and christians all worship the same God ,The true God.The God of Abraham. God uses his angels to answer prayers..ask God to send you a messenger..so that you may understand where you fit in his purpose.

Answer 3

I would assume its a prayer where you actually think about what you're telling God, and not just reciting the same repetative prayer that you say every night.