Seeking Stillness: A Monthly Contemplative Prayer Gathering
Do you seek to encounter God in every part of your life? Do you find yourself placing restrictions; conscious or unconscious on where you might meet Him?
In the New Testament, the book of Acts describes the beginnings of the early Church.
It reminds us that God is not confined to buildings or rituals, but is the very source of our existence:
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands... He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” — Acts 17:24–25
We are rediscovering the invitation from Jesus Christ to hear His word and encounter Him day by day; walking with Him more nearly, loving Him more dearly, and hearing Him more clearly as we pray.
When & Where
We gather on the last Thursday of every month.
- Time: 11am
- Location: Church of Saint Cadoc, Cheriton, Llanmadoc, SA3 1BY
There may be a time where the date needs to change, so if you'd like to be kept updated please email wowadmin@cinw.org.uk to be added to a mailing list for details of the contemplative prayer meeting.
Parking is limited outside of the church, however there is parking in the village. If you need any assistance in attending then please do get in touch via wowadmin@cinw.org.uk
What is Contemplative Prayer?
Pete Greig, founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement, notes:
“Contemplation is the form of prayer that helps us to hear God and see God in the whole of his creation.”
It is a practice of being intentionally present to God, moving beyond words into a space of quiet trust and listening.
What to Expect
If you have never attended a prayer meeting like this before, don’t worry. You are welcome to come just as you are.
- The setting: We sit in a circle on upright chairs.
- Comfort: We encourage you to make yourself comfortable. You may wish to wear loose clothing or even remove your shoes.
- Silence: We turn our phones to silent and place them away from us to help settle our minds.
- Scripture: A leader will read short passages from the Bible connected by a common theme.
- Stillness: We spend time being still in body, mind, and heart.
- Duration: 45 minutes (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM) - this can be flexible.
- Format: A short 2-minute introduction/scripture reading, followed by extended quiet reflection, closing with a gentle prayer.
- Participation: Sit, rest, reflect, or pray in whatever way feels comfortable.
Finding a Rhythm
During the silence, you may find it helpful to let a simple phrase accompany your breathing to help you focus:
- Breathing in: “Come”
- Breathing out: “Rest”
The Lord’s Prayer
We conclude our time together by reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Whether you know it by heart from childhood or are hearing it for the first time, you are welcome. We provide printed copies for everyone.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...
This ancient prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is a simple yet profound way to speak to God. It establishes a relationship ("Our Father"), recognizes God’s glory ("Hallowed be thy name"), focuses on His will over our own, and expresses our total dependence on Him for daily bread and forgiveness.
Wellbeing impacts of Contemplative Prayer:
Spiritual Wellbeing: From "About" to "With"
The primary goal of contemplative prayer is intimacy. Spiritually, it shifts the focus from religious activity to a relational presence.
Awareness of God’s Presence: It trains the spirit to recognise God in the "ordinary." By practicing stillness, you develop a "contemplative gaze" that sees the divine in nature, work, and other people.
Identity Anchoring: In silence, the "false self" (defined by what you do, what you have, or what others say) begins to fall away. You are left with your "true self" as a beloved child of God, which provides a deep sense of spiritual security.
Scriptural Depth: Instead of just analysing a text intellectually, contemplation allows the Word of God to move from the head to the heart, where it can transform character and desires.
Mental Wellbeing: The "Internal Sabbath"
The mental benefits of Christian contemplation often mirror the findings of modern mindfulness, but with a theological centre.
Reduction of Ruminative Thinking: Contemplative practices, such as "centering prayer," teach you to gently let go of distracting thoughts. This reduces the "mental loop" of anxiety and worry.
Emotional Regulation: By sitting in silence with God, you create a "safety zone" between a stimulus and your reaction. This leads to greater patience and less emotional reactivity in stressful situations.
Cognitive Clarity: Regular periods of silence help clear "mental clutter."
Physical Wellbeing: The Relaxation Response
The body is not a separate entity from the soul; what happens in prayer affects your biology.
Lowering the "Fight or Flight" Response: Deep, rhythmic breathing and intentional stillness activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduces the heart rate.
Improved Sleep: By lowering the body’s overall stress load and quietening the mind before bed, many find that contemplative practices help combat insomnia and improve the quality of rest.
Blood Pressure Management: Consistent practice of "The Relaxation Response" (a term coined by Dr. Herbert Benson, who studied various forms of meditation including prayer) has been clinically shown to help reduce hypertension.
Questions? This is a new practice to many of us, but something that can really impact our spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. If you have any questions, please do get in touch with us at wowadmin@cinw.org.uk and we will endeavour to answer them.