Foundations of Contemplative Prayer
Essential Concepts That Underlie All Christian Contemplative Traditions
Before diving into specific traditions—Ignatian, Carmelite, or Hesychast—it helps to understand the foundational concepts that all Christian contemplative prayer shares. These include the two fundamental ways of knowing God (apophatic and kataphatic), the ultimate goal of theosis (divinization), the distinction between meditation and contemplation, and foundational practices like Lectio Divina that serve as gateways to deeper prayer.
Why Foundations Matter
Many people approach contemplative prayer by jumping straight into techniques. They learn a method—the Jesus Prayer, Ignatian imagination, Carmelite recollection—without understanding the theological framework that gives these practices meaning and safety.
Understanding foundations prevents several problems:
- Confusion about terminology: "Meditation" means very different things in Christian and Eastern contexts
- Wrong expectations: Contemplation is not a technique to master but a gift to receive
- Loss of purpose: Without understanding theosis, practice becomes self-improvement rather than transformation in Christ
- Imbalance: Both apophatic and kataphatic approaches have their place; exclusive focus on one impoverishes prayer
"The purpose of theology is to lead to prayer, and the purpose of prayer is to lead to God."— Evagrius Ponticus
Core Concepts
Two Ways of Knowing God
Christian theology recognizes two complementary approaches to God: the kataphatic (positive), which uses images, concepts, and affirmations to approach God; and the apophatic (negative), which recognizes that God transcends all our images and concepts. Different traditions emphasize different approaches, but both are necessary.
Explore Apophatic and Kataphatic Prayer →The Goal: Theosis
Theosis (divinization or deification) is the ultimate purpose of contemplative prayer: transformation into the likeness of God through participation in divine grace. This is not becoming God by nature but being united to God so intimately that we share in His life. As Athanasius said, "God became human so that humans might become god."
Explore Theosis and Divinization →Meditation vs. Contemplation
In traditional Christian usage, meditation is the active, discursive work of prayer—reflecting on Scripture, using imagination, working with thoughts. Contemplation is what happens when God takes over—a simpler, more receptive attention that transcends our efforts. Understanding this distinction prevents frustration when our techniques seem to "stop working."
Explore Contemplation vs. Meditation →Foundational Practices
While each tradition has its distinctive methods, certain practices cross all boundaries and serve as gateways to deeper contemplative life:
How Foundations Connect to Traditions
Each of the three major contemplative traditions draws on these foundations differently:
Ignatian Spirituality
Strongly kataphatic—using imagination, Scripture scenes, and affective engagement with Christ. Yet Ignatius also knew contemplative rest and the gift of "consolation without cause." Ignatian prayer often leads through active meditation toward receptive contemplation.
Carmelite Mysticism
A bridge tradition—Teresa of Avila used imagery freely while John of the Cross emphasized darkness and unknowing. The Carmelite path explicitly traces the movement from meditation (with images) to contemplation (beyond images) as God draws the soul toward union.
Hesychasm
Strongly apophatic—actively forbidding visualization and mental imagery in prayer. Yet the Jesus Prayer itself is kataphatic (invoking the Name of Jesus). Hesychasm aims at theosis through stillness and the prayer of the heart, using simple methods to reach wordless union.
Common Questions
Do I need to understand theology before I can pray?
No—prayer is primary, and theology reflects on what happens in prayer. But understanding basic concepts helps prevent confusion and provides a map for the journey. You don't need to be a theologian; you need enough understanding to recognize what you're experiencing and where you're heading.
Should I use images in prayer or not?
Both approaches are valid and complementary. Most people naturally begin with images (kataphatic) and may be led beyond them over time (apophatic). The key is not to force either approach but to follow where God leads. Different seasons of life may call for different emphases.
Is Centering Prayer safe? I've heard concerns.
Centering Prayer has both advocates and critics within Christianity. Its founders grounded it in the Christian contemplative tradition, particularly The Cloud of Unknowing. Concerns typically relate to technique-focus and potential confusion with Eastern practices. Our article explores both the method and the discernment considerations.
Where should I start?
Lectio Divina is often the best entry point—it's ancient, Scripture-based, naturally leads to contemplative openness, and is universally accepted across traditions. From there, you can explore specific traditions as you feel drawn.
Explore All Foundation Articles
Apophatic & Kataphatic Prayer
Two complementary ways of knowing God—through images and beyond images.
Theosis: Divinization
The goal of contemplative life—becoming partakers of the divine nature.
Contemplation vs. Meditation
Understanding the crucial distinction between active and receptive prayer.
Lectio Divina
Sacred reading—the ancient four-fold practice with Scripture.
Centering Prayer
A modern method with ancient roots—consenting to God's presence and action.
Related Articles
- Christian Contemplative Prayer — Overview of all three contemplative traditions.
- Discernment in Contemplative Practice — Essential framework for testing inner experiences.
- Advanced Topics — The Dark Night, spiritual direction, and integration.