Contemplative Outreach News
Volume 20 , Number 1 · Spring/Summer 2005

The Wedding Feast at Cana || From the President || Contemplative Life Program
20th Anniversary Fundraising Tour || Reader's Reflections || In The News
The Spanish Corner || Chapter Updates || Contemplative Outreach News Home

Contemplative Life Program
launches with over 1000 subscribers

The new Contemplative Life Program, a series of nine, in-home modules for contemplative practice and study, has attracted over 1000 subscribers from all over the world in just a few short months. 

“One of the awesome things about the Contemplative Life Program is knowing that so many others are praying at the same time—with the same materials—and in such a profound way. Surely the world will be blessed and enriched by this effort.” 
–current CLP subscriber

The Contemplative Life Program (CLP) is for individuals to engage within their own home, but in spiritual connection with other participants around the world. Each module consists of a booklet containing excerpts of Fr. Thomas Keating’s teachings, reflective passages, suggested practices to engage during the 40 days and a list of suggested readings. A bookmark or some sort of visual reminder of the practice will also be included. (Content and format will vary between each of the nine modules.) 

The topics selected for 2005 are: 

Join together with others in the Contemplative Outreach network in exploring what it means to live the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life … in deepening your commitment to your own transformation … in participating in the transformation of the world.

A Sampling of Frequently Asked Questions

More information on the program, a sample excerpt of the first module and a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) may be found online at www.outreach.org/clp.htm . A sampling of the FAQ’s are printed below. Gift subscriptions, e-versions of the program for distant subscribers and a payment plan are available. 

I am worried about how much time this will take. How will I fit this program into my busy life? 
The program can take as much or as little time as you would like to give it. It is all about your commitment to your spiritual journey. Your intention and your desire for relationship with God will determine the length of time you spend with the materials each day. It could be 5 minutes or it could be an hour or more. It provides an opportunity to recapture an ‘interior retreat atmosphere’ and move through each day reflective and recollected. 

What is the point of the program? If I’m already practicing, why do I need it?
The Contemplative Life Program has several objectives. There is a definite, pervasive hunger for something meaningful in everyday life. A personal relationship with God seems to be the only real answer. Many people do want to go deeper in their relationship with God and don’t have a local faith community that supports them. Some find there is a need for more support at home or at work, in the midst of the ordinary routines of life. Over 1000 subscribers in a few short months points to the need for The Contemplative Life Program, which can satisfy some of the longing to focus, support and connect with others who have this hunger for God.

“The materials are beautiful and of high quality. The quotes and passages appear to be deep, prayerful “doorways” into prayer … I’ve been praying with the materials for several days now and am enjoying them very much. I pray the daily readings first, reflecting on them for a few moments before settling into my centering prayer. I’ve found that “doing” 2 pages of the spiral bound book per day works well — and the blank spaces on most of the pages are just right for jotting down daily thoughts, reflections, etc.”

I received my first module and wasn’t sure how to use it. I was confused—what should I do with it? 
We have received feedback that the first module was too unstructured and needed more direction on how to use it. As a result of the subscriber comments, starting with the Lectio Divina module, the program will have a more directed, daily structure. 

We recommend that you tailor the program to fit your particular spiritual needs. Some subscribers read a few pages of the booklet a day as a “doorway” into their Centering Prayer period. Others are reading the booklet over and over in its entirety throughout the 40 days, seeking to let the words penetrate them as they allow the essence of the practice to penetrate them. Experienced practitioners might pick just one or two of the suggested practices and focus on them, in solidarity with other newer practitioners who are just beginning the process. 

Why aren’t there more materials with the program —more to read and more to do? 
The program is designed to meet the needs of busy people in the modern world. One of the biggest concerns for many is “will I have time for this?” The program offers a range of options to practice or read, depending on your time.

 Most importantly, contemplative practices are not about ‘doing’ or intellectual efforts. The best ‘effort’ we can make in relation to any contemplative practice is to remain open to the experience of God’s presence in all that surrounds us, moment by moment. We bring our receptivity and curiosity to our participation in programs and practices. We use our intellect to learn and discern. We surrender our normal patterns, preferences and behaviors to the grace of the Indwelling Spirit.

I am a long-time practitioner and there doesn’t seem to be anything new for me. Do you have any suggestions?
For long-time practitioners, the intention behind the program is to build the Body of Christ, which is the real key to the program - beyond the physical form of the materials or suggested practices. We can join in solidarity with one another in the struggle to remember and live a contemplative life in the marketplace. We join hands and hearts as a contemplative global community, with the desire to allow Divine Love to flow through us into the world.

It is also an opportunity for long-time practitioners to make fresh commitments to their practices that might have grown stale, habitual or that have been inadvertently set aside. It is a chance to deepen our relationship with God—to surrender more deeply within each practice. What does my current participation in relationship to the Body of Christ look like? Where am I out of relationship with God? What new nourishment can my existing practices reveal to me? What do I wish to know or understand by my participation in this program? How does the fruit of my contemplative commitment support my service to others? How do I apply the contemplative dimension of the Gospel to family, business and social concerns? 

We believe that some of the upcoming modules may have greater interest to you. We have started with Centering Prayer, the Welcoming Prayer and Lectio Divina this year because they are the fundamental practices of Contemplative Outreach. As we begin to explore other areas, we are confident you will find new, interesting and perhaps challenging ‘spiritual food’ coming to you through The Contemplative Life Program.

"I am enjoying the first segment of the Program a lot. I have been a centering prayer practitioner for many years, but my practice lately has been sketchy and this has helped me to become more faithful again—and even to increase the length and frequency of my sits. Thank you very much for this program!" 
 . . .from NYC

The Wedding Feast at Cana || From the President || Contemplative Life Program
20th Anniversary Fundraising Tour || Reader's Reflections || In The News
The Spanish Corner || Chapter Updates || Contemplative Outreach News Home