If you are committed to the Centering Prayer practice I recommend attending a Contemplative Outreach (CO) annual meeting. CO goes out of its way to include everyone in a welcoming and positive way and the exposure to people desiring to live a contemplative life committed to silence and service from all parts of the world is inspiring and enlightening.

Even though there was little time to get out of the Omni Hotel to explore Houston, the southern hospitality seeped in and was present everywhere. The logistics of the meeting (Wednesday thru Friday) and the enrichment weekend went without a noticeable hitch thanks to the CO staff and the many volunteers from Houston and beyond. It was a great chance to catch up with other members of Chapter; Ron Barnett (now a member of the CO board of trustees), Carol Leach (our Annapolis contact), and a new face, from Owings, MD, Merle Helen Morrow. Merle is hoping to start a Centering Prayer group in her area.

The theme of the meeting was “Contemplative Vision: Awakening to Beauty , Truth and Goodness”, I was reminded by Fr. Thomas that “contemplation is sheer gift”. But something that I had not thought about is “it is a gift that is already given. Contemplation is an integral part of being human.” So I am reminded that Centering Prayer is a prayer of receptivity and you can't do receptivity but you can consent in faith and silence to receive the gift that is already given to you.

In the first day of the meeting we engaged in “contemplative cafes” wherein we reviewed the proposed changes to the CO vision, mission, and theological principles. Lead by facilitator Bruce Gardner of New York, the heartfelt reflection and discussions of 200 people were gathered and collated in real time to be considered in a final draft.

The weekend of enrichment began with talks by Frs. Thomas and Richard Rohr. Fr. Thomas focused on the premise that “CP is openness to the gentle loving presence of God”, and in accepting that, “We do not take on the world, but we take on ourselves”. “To accept our basic core of goodness is true Humility. Humility is reality”. The first evening ended with a moving Taize service, which included music played on ancient Tibetan singing bowls, with prayer around a large wooden cross, as over 600 people sang hymns together. (For photos from Houston go to http://tinyurl.com/2jk5ns)

Fr. Rohr spoke of the importance of the “emerging church” and its need and desire to rediscover the Christian heritage and contemplative dimension. He also previewed a book he is writing on six stages of how consciousness (i.e., spiritual formation) develops, a delicate subject which he handled with humility. There was also a period of open dialogue between the two. CDs and DVDs of their talks are available from CO http://www.centeringprayer.com/frntpage.htm.

I look forward to an enriching year of growth in the COMW community this year. We already have three requests for new introductory workshops, a heavily enrolled Living Flame II program, many requests for Formation Training for presenters, and plans for a facilitator workshop in early 2008. Do not hesitate to let us know of your needs and activities and how we can together be of greater service in sharing Centering Prayer and the contemplative life. I will keep you posted from this end.

Yours in Christ,

Guy Semmes

Coordinator, COMW