We believe prayer is one of the primary ways we invite God into our lives. Below is a basic introduction to guided, contemplative prayer. You might be asking yourself, “what is that?” Contemplative prayer is a practice in which we stop, breathe, and take time to realize God’s presence with us. While it may sound foreign, taking some basic steps can make this idea more approachable.

First, take a moment to simply close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Begin to focus your attention on God, inviting him into this time with you, even envisioning his presence with you. Speak to him personally and intimately. Once the dust of your mind has settled a bit, feel free to begin prayer.

Remember, this is an introduction to a rhythm of prayer. Your prayer time is not limited to this. As you grow comfort and confidence, you can customize these prayers according to your own needs, preferred prayers, or methods. This is a place to begin, not the end point. Lastly, try your best to make these moments intentional. They don’t need to be long, but they aren’t meant to be checklist items, but moments to connect with God.