Contemplative Prayer.

[Dodge Viper]

Do any Christians here partake thoroughly in the silent prayer and contemplation set forth and kept alive by the Mystics throughout the Centuries?
I personally love to read the mystical guidance issued by St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross, amongst other similar masters of silent prayer and meditation.
Also, I would like to know what the general opinion is of the overlooked line from Christ:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is within you"

What does this concept mean to you?

[Boleslaw]

I once said that I largely have a vague sense of mysticism, which is somewhat hard to fully explain at any great lengths. Sandee once told me something to the effect that those who claim to not truely understand such are in fact the ones who have the deepest insights into the matter. Interesting paradox, and paradox is at the heart of all great truths.

BTW, you might like this site:
http://www.innerexplorations.com/chmystext/christia.htm

[Helios Panoptes]

I spend time contemplating my own demise while I ride public transportation. It's not really "praying," perhaps, but it's somewhat similar.

[Dodge Viper]

Should Non-Christian Moderators be allowed to post on a private Christian forum?
Only joking...
You are on the verge of Sainthood with that one Helios, Bravo.

[Micaelis]

"The Kingdom of Heaven is within you"

What does this concept mean to you?

What does it mean to you?

[Dodge Viper]

What does it mean to you?
Well, its a tricky thing to answer in a subtle way without too much self-opinion and Dogma, but I believe Christ spoke of a Kingdom within found through prayer, interiorization, and worldly renunciation, the universal trancendental experience of complete stillness and Soul Bliss.
As St Teresa and other Mystics highlighted the journey to the center of the soul -- where God dwells -- this for me is the authentic "Kingdom of Heaven"

But the problem I find is its rarely talked about or strived for within the Christian world.

So I put the question to this forum to gauge an understanding of what this means to you.

[Józef Piłsudski]

My prayer life is relatively young. Sure I've always contemplated, but have never truly begun to pray until as I said recently (last year or two). It has been life changing. I must say that the thought of exploring another form of prayer has me excited.

"The Kingdom of heaven is within you" - My understanding of this is that in order to be saved an internal change is necessary. You can recite all the prayer you want, go to church as much as you want, but all that grace will be pretty useless if its not tapped by the soul. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself a conservative Catholic, so the sacraments, especially the Eucharist is essential to salvation but a love of God coming from within is absolutely essential. - I haven't heard anything from the Church on this. I'd be interested in hearing from my fellow Catholics, if they know what the Church teaches us re: this saying.

On a side note; I hope can I stay at my university for the summer, they offer a summer course on Eastern Orthodox Mysticism, but sadly, it only appears to be offered during the summer. :(.

[Ahknaton]

Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich is worth reading (I haven't read the whole thing though, just selections). Some of the background information on Christian ascenticism in Medieval England is interesting too.

[Dodge Viper]

My prayer life is relatively young. Sure I've always contemplated, but have never truly begun to pray until as I said recently (last year or two). It has been life changing. I must say that the thought of exploring another form of prayer has me excited.

Dont be afraid to explore silent prayer, it is very powerful. If the mind is focused along with the heart full of Devotion, you will sink into Bliss in no time.
Teresa of Avila would sit for hours in complete silence praying secretly to her beloved who responded fully, leading her into the mystical exchanges and union.
Vocal prayer is a fabulous prelude and an aid to settling and calming the mind, then silent prayer begins the journey inward towards the Bliss of the Soul.
The eternal path of the Saints.

[Dodge Viper]

"The Kingdom of heaven is within you" - I haven't heard anything from the Church on this. I'd be interested in hearing from my fellow Catholics, if they know what the Church teaches us re: this saying.

The Church appears to be completely baffled by this line, and will side-step it at every chance. I have failed to hear this line addressed in a Church or from a fellow Christian. The line represents Religion in its most condensed and potent form.
Christ is stating:

"God is within you"

"Seek ye the kingdom of God[within]
first"

"Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all you strength"

[Hlinkova Garda]

Do any Christians here partake thoroughly in the silent prayer and contemplation set forth and kept alive by the Mystics throughout the Centuries?
I personally love to read the mystical guidance issued by St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross, amongst other similar masters of silent prayer and meditation.
Also, I would like to know what the general opinion is of the overlooked line from Christ:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is within you"

What does this concept mean to you?

i try but my mind cant stay on trak for more then ..................oh say 1/2 hour when praying silently that is why the Rosary is so awesome...............but i still have move my lips when i resite it

[Dodge Viper]

i try but my mind cant stay on trak for more then ..................oh say 1/2 hour when praying silently that is why the Rosary is so awesome...............but i still have move my lips when i resite it
Many of the great contemplatives couldnt either early in their spiritual journey. I recall St Teresa stating that she found 1 hour of silent prayer complete torture to begin with, her mind would stray onto anything but her prayer.
30mins is more than enough to start with as a necessary platfrom towards union through prayer. You could simply split a longer meditation into four 30min quarters taking a little break between. Eventually you will start to tap into
something within which will strengthen your resolve, making longer meditations more accessable.

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into they closet (withdraw the mind into silence within) and when thou hast shut thy door (the door of the senses) Pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (with his presence)."