The Contemplative

We have many names for God, all of which describe a facet of God's character. Of these many facets, I'm particularly drawn to Silence. For me the contemplative is about having a deep connection and relationship with Silence.

Silence is everywhere, in all, and in between the spaces of everything. Becoming comfortable with Silence is peace (Shalom). But… there is noise everywhere. I expect we know why. For many it's hard to 'be' with Silence! So we've developed numerous ways to avoid Silence. I've heard these (unconscious) strategies described as 'weapons of mass distraction'!

Thankfully across the UK church, both traditional and contemporary, there is a growing interest in a contemplative expression of spirituality – learning ways to address these unconscious strategies, and thus draw closer to, and become more intimate with God.

“The contemplative way of being is simply a way of connecting and surrendering to God. Creating a space in which we lose our own agenda – we let go, simply resting in God's presence within.”

As we develop the skills to do this, so our body, our emotions, and especially our mind learn to humble themselves before God – and as a result we grow. We grow emotionally, we grow spiritually, and so become all that God intended our unique self to be.