Contemplative Outreach was established to bring the ancient contemplative prayer practice out of the monastic milieu and to present Centering Prayer as a method appropriate to contemporary society. Contemplative Outreach is now a worldwide spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to renewing the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life.
Our primary purpose is to teach the method of Centering Prayer and to offer practices that bring its fruits into daily life. CO also teaches Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into contemplative prayer, as facilitated by a regular practice of Centering Prayer. It helps individuals and groups establish a contemplative prayer ministry by offering Centering Prayer workshops, retreats and formation programmes. The CO programmes are designed to present the richness of the Christian contemplative heritage in an updated and accessible format.
CO identifies with the Christian contemplative heritage from which Centering Prayer is drawn. It recognises this heritage to be a common ground of unity. Mature fruits of Centering Prayer are a deeper caring response to the needs and rights of the human family, and a deeper respect for the integrity of all creation.
CO offers a variety of programmes, including introductory Centering Prayer workshops, workshops on Lectio Divina and its movement into contemplative prayer, retreats and formation programmes for those wishing to undertake Contemplative Outreach service. It also provides a forum for networking, assistance in establishing local centering prayer programmes, a network of ongoing Centering Prayer groups, books, audio and video/DVD recordings, centering prayer retreat directors and a regular newsletter for members.
Click here for a list of websites relating to Centering Prayer.
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