Contemplative Prayer & Intimacy
“The contemplation of divine things and an assiduous union [showing great care and perseverance] with God in prayer is the first and principle duty of all religious.” – Vatican II
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your should, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38
The heart of Catholic Communities of Prayer is intimacy with Jesus through contemplative prayer. This is the foundation of everything that we do and teach at CCOP. People must learn to fall in love with God and must learn to encounter God in contemplative prayer. Just because we get people to pray in perpetual adoration, or just because we teach people about prayer, does not mean much unless they are entering deeply into the burning Heart of Jesus Christ and their lives are being transformed into holiness.
Contemplative Prayer Defined:
Contemplative prayer can simply be described as deep prayer, intimacy, and communion with the Trinity. A man or woman who is living a contemplative life has committed themselves to deep intimate prayer with God. Their heart’s one desire is to know and love Him more intimately deep in their heart and soul. They literally live out the first and greatest commandment; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Story of Martha and Mary:
A great example of contemplative prayer is pictured in the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and to listen to Him as opposed to her sister who was busy with many things. What Mary did in sitting, gazing, and listening to our Lord is a clear example of what deep and intimate prayer is all about. This is what every Christian is really called to do.
Intimacy Defined:
Intimacy is the subject of how to fall in love with Jesus Christ. In our time today, there must be a renewal in the Church in this aspect. Intimacy is the cornerstone of living a prayerful lifestyle. One does not make prayer their top priority in life unless they are passionately in love with God. Contemplative prayer is literally falling in love with Jesus Christ. CCOP will teach key doctrinal paradigms about intimacy that seemingly have been overlooked by many Catholic communities over the past years.
