Contemplative Prayer

It's a somewhat generic term. Much like meditation in that respect.

The general practice is to simply place yourself somewhere, for a given period of time, remaining silent and still. Following the breath, or focusing on a repeated word or phrase can also be used.

The idea here, within a Christian context, is to connect to the reality all around you. To get out of the discursive, thought-based, in-your-own-head sort of consciousness, and enter into a connection with the full reality of your being, and thus, God.

It's hard to describe. It's simple to do, but very, very hard to do as well.

At worst, it's 30 minutes of pure unadulterated BS flying through your head, odd and sometimes scary physical sensations, fear, terror, pain, and horribleness. But you sit there anyway. That's the important thing.

Sometimes it's easier, peaceful, and beautiful.

At best, it's neither of those, but something else entirely, which is extremely hard to describe.

But you sit there anyway. That's the important thing.