Downtime by Tamara Allen

The repetition of words or short phrases also known as a mantra, is key to experience contemplative prayer. According to Barton, one must settle into a comfortable position that allows you to remain alert and stable. Its important to breathe deeply in this moment in order to release any tension you might be holding, allowing to become aware of God’s presence. Give yourself a few minutes to enjoy God’s presence in quietness. In his book Downtime, Barton advises people to simply close your eyes and focus on the very simple act of breathing. He mentions that during this process it’s crucial to imagine with each breath, that you are breathing in God’s love, and with every exhale you are releasing every problem, anxiety, tension, and resistance to God. (Barton 64)

In the other hand, Foster suggests a number of techniques to practice contemplative prayer. He suggests its best to sit in a straight chair, with your back correctly positioned in the chair and both feet flat on the floor. Place the hands on the knees, palms up in a gesture of receptivity. (Foster 57) Brennan Manning gives a different set of instructions in his book, The Signature of Jesus. According to Manning, the first step is to not think about God while praying. Contemplative spirituality emphasizes the need for a change in consciousness. The second step is to choose a sacred word, and repeat it slowly and often. This will allow to access into the silence of God. Any external noise will subside and the sound of love will be heard. The repetition of the mantra causes to achieve a blank mind as well as the detachment of the the mind and heart. Having an intense imagination along with an inactive mind and open heart, one enters into an occult state. Foster’s view regarding ...

... middle of paper ...

...hat Foster holds up as an example of contemplative tradition is John the Apostle. John the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles. He is considered to be the author of the Gospel of John, also known as the book of John, and five of the New Testament books. John, along with his brother James and their father Zebedee were Galilean fisherman. Jesus called John and James to leave their lives as fishermen and to become his apostles. Shortly after, John and James became part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and Andrew.

John became the "beloved disciple" who leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper (John 13:23), who was "known to the high priest" (John 18:15), who was entrusted by Jesus with the care of his mother Mary (John 19:26), and who outran Peter to the empty tomb (John 20:2-4). After the resurrection, John is seen as one of the leaders of the early church.