About
Contemplative Prayer is the practice of seeking God in solitude, stillness, and silence. In contemplation we learn that we are never truly alone, that we are surrounded by God’s love, and part of something greater than ourselves.
In the modern world, this type of prayer has been pushed beneath the surface and relegated to the furthest edges of our hearts and minds. We fear that in solitude we will find only loneliness. We fill our silences with the buzz of smartphones, hectic schedules, and the consumption of any and all things.
But it is in the still, small voice of our hearts where we experience oneness with God. Where loneliness gives way to the knowledge that we are deeply beloved by God and connected to all creation.
We are those beneath the surface. Those who in silent prayer can find solace, clarity, and peace. Who know that contemplation can transform our world.
We are the Contemplative Underground.
Led by the community of The Benedictine Way in Omaha, NE, The Contemplative Underground is an online community of Christians seeking to grow in faith and peace through contemplative prayer.
We pray together through online Centering Prayer sits. We learn together about prayer practices like Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, The Jesus Prayer, and more. And we connect with one another across the United States and beyond.
Inclusion
The Benedictine Way is a community in the Episcopal Church, so you may notice its influence in our videos. However, Christians of all denominations and backgrounds are welcome in the Contemplative Underground. Contemplative prayer is meant to deepen our relationship to God in the silence of our hearts and is not bounded by church institutions.
The Contemplative Underground is an open and affirming community of Christians. People of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions are welcome here. We affirm our LGBTQ+ community members as beloved by God as they are.
Contemplative prayer directs us away from violence - physical violence and the violence in our hearts. Hate speech, prejudice, and cruelty are not tolerated in The Contemplative Underground. Speaking from hatred in one of our centering prayer sits or online forums will result in being blocked from participation in our community.
