June 14 – Lectio Divina, Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation)
In contemplation, we move beyond words and images into the simple enjoyment of the divine presence. Thomas Keating
Gregg’s Reflection
When I first learned about contemplatio, I thought it was just “thinking about” what I had read. But this step is less about thinking and more about resting. It’s like sitting on the porch with a close friend after a long conversation — no more words are needed, but the shared presence says everything.
One morning, after praying through Psalm 23, I simply sat in silence. I didn’t try to recall the words or form new prayers. I just let the truth — “The Lord is my shepherd” — settle over me like a warm blanket. My mind wandered, but gently I returned to that stillness. It was as if God was saying, “Stay here with me. You don’t need to do anything more.”
Contemplatio is where we release our grasp on the passage and rest in God. We’ve heard God’s word, reflected on it, spoken with God about it — now we allow ourselves to simply be with God. No agenda. No effort. Just presence meeting Presence.
Scripture
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.
Habakkuk 2:20
Ancient Quotes
Contemplation is a gift of God, freely given, not acquired by human effort. It lifts the soul above itself to taste the joys of everlasting sweetness.
Guigo II, The Ladder of Monks, Ch. 3
Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion of God, which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.
St. John of the Cross, The Dark Night, Bk. 2, Ch. 18
In silence and quiet the devout soul makes progress, and learns the hidden truths of Scripture.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Bk. 1, Ch. 20
These four steps form a ladder for monks, by which they are lifted from earth to heaven. It has few rungs, yet the distance between the first and last is immeasurable. Reading seeks, meditation finds, prayer asks, contemplation feels.
Guigo II, The Ladder of Monks, Prologue
Modern Quotes
In contemplation, we move beyond words and images into the simple enjoyment of the divine presence.
Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart, p. 56
Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation.
Thomas Keating, Invitation to Love, p. 118
Journaling Prompts
- What happens inside you when you stop speaking and simply rest in God’s presence?
- How comfortable are you with silence in your spiritual life? Why?
- When you release your need to think or pray with words, what do you notice?
- How might you create space this week for contemplative stillness?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 24 Reflection: Lectio/Audio/Visio/Eco Divina