Recently, I gave a short interview on my faith journey at my church. It was wonderful to talk to fellow church members and the thought that something I say or have done could help others on the journey, well that is humbling. During that interview, once it was discovered that I am a contemplative, the inevitable question arises “what is a contemplative”?
I have been asked this many times and I have spent a great deal of time contemplating a good answer. Perhaps I have found one that works for my fellow spiritual pilgrims. Let’s start with the definition of contemplation from the Merriam Webster dictionary:
a : concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion
b: a state of mystical awareness of God’s being
So a Christian contemplative is someone who concentrates on spiritual things as a form of private devotion and is mystically aware of God’s being. And now, let me add in these words from Hebrews 11:1 (The Voice translation): Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. The assurance of things hoped for is concentration on the spiritual things that God has promised. The conviction of unseen things is the mystical awareness of God. In this one verse, the substance of Christian contemplation comes to life.
I am going to use this as the best explanation of contemplative Christianity. Closely examine what contemplation is: concentrating on spiritual things (private devotion) and being mystically aware of who God is (and by extension) who we are in God. I would recommend you join me for a few minutes in being contemplative and concentrate on the spiritual mystery of the greatness of God and our being fully his good creation.
TMM