Hi, it’s Brother James from The Benedictine Way. I’m often asked to explain contemplative prayer. Or I’m asked, “What does it mean to be a contemplative?”

The goal in contemplation is to be able to live a life – an entire life – in a contemplative way. So often when we hear that someone is a contemplative, we think they must be a monk hidden away in a monastery, up on a mountaintop or in a desert cave. And, occasionally, that is true.

But the model for living a contemplative life in the Christian tradition comes to us from Mary of Bethany, especially as related to us in the Gospel according to Luke. In it, we read: Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’ (Luke 10:38-42 NRSV)

The point is that we are all distracted by many everyday things. Martha certainly was distracted, even as she offered kind and generous hospitality to Jesus and the disciples, a good thing to do. Mary, on the other hand, sensed that this was a moment to just sit and quiet herself and let go of the distractions in her life. She was supposed to just listen. Her desire and need to listen to Jesus, to hear God’s Word, to live a life in the Spirit was ‘the better part’ according to Jesus.

You see, the contemplative life is not just for the monks. It’s for all of us. Taking the time to quiet down, listen with God, hear Jesus’ voice, embrace the Spirit defines a contemplative life. To do these things, we must set aside time every day. Our daily routine must allow us to take the time to quiet down, listen and to be gentle with ourselves. This is a difficult thing for many of us to do. Yet it is an important way for us to connect with God.

Contemplative Underground is a community of seekers – some who never go to church, some who always do – who all want a little of what Mary of Bethany seemed to have. She made time to listen and she, consequently, had a little bit of “the better part.” Please keep exploring our website and consider joining us for one of our live “Sits” which affords you the opportunity to simply be quiet and to listen for God.

You are welcome. Everyone is welcome—you don’t need to have experience with meditation, contemplation, or Centering Prayer. All you need is a desire for quiet, and to sit with God. Peace be upon you.