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IHM  Conference  Center  at  Wootton  Mansion,
Bryn Mawr, PA

  Welcome to the IHM Conference Center
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CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
 
St. Teresa of Avila describes contemplative prayer as “nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him whom we know loves us.”  It is different from meditation, which is an activity of one’s spirit through reading and thinking.  Contemplation, on the other hand, is “the soul’s inward vision and the heart’s simpler response to God.” It is like the difference between working and enjoying the fruit of our work.
In the words of Thomas Dubay, “It is wordless awareness and love that we ourselves cannot initiate or prolong.” 
 
In short, contemplative prayer is sitting quietly with God and experiencing God’s great love for us.  No words are necessary.  It is simply a “long, loving look” at God and allowing God to look back at us.
 
For further information, see:
Contemplative Prayer by  Thomas Merton.  Image Books, 1996.
Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Keating. Continuum International Publishing Group, 1997.
Open Mind, Open Heart:  the Contemplative Dimension of the Gospels by Thomas Keating.  Continuum International Publishing Group, 2002.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a subsection on contemplative prayer.

Location

IHM Conference Center
401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
ihmconferencecenter.com
610-581-0120
ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com

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  • Home
    • Letter from the Director
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Meet Our Volunteers
    • Prayer Requests/Camilla Cards
    • Zoom and YouTube Library
  • About Our Center
    • Our History
    • Our Mission and Vision Statements
    • Our Facilities
  • About Our Services
    • Retreats and Programs
    • About Our Programs >
      • Registration/Directions
      • Program Brochure
      • Photo Gallery 2022 - 2023
      • Photo Gallery 2021 - 2022
      • Photo Gallery 2019 - 2020
      • Photo Gallery 2018-2019
    • Conference Center Hosting
    • Spiritual Direction
  • Prayer and Spirituality
    • Journaling: The Why and How
    • Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture
    • Contemplative Prayer: God and Me
    • Helpful Websites
  • Contact