An American,who teaches Christians to meditate.

Groody emphasizes that it’s natural for some individuals to transition from traditional to contemplative prayer, allowing God to work within them. He reassures that those who don’t experience this shift are not morally deficient.

In the interview, Groody discusses the prayer of consent and contrasts Christian contemplation with Eastern meditation. He explains that while Buddhism emphasizes present-moment awareness, Christian contemplative prayer aims to deepen one’s relationship with Christ. Groody asserts that by surrendering to God’s presence, individuals open themselves to divine healing and transformation..

Edward Groody, a certified prayer of approval lecturer, relocated from New York to Tennessee. As the founder of Community Building International, he also consults for businesses and non-profit organizations..

Some Christians are wary of meditation due to its association with Eastern religions. How would you differentiate between Eastern-style meditation and the Christian meditation you practice?

In Christian practice, contemplative prayer or the prayer of assent more accurately describes what is often referred to as meditation. The term “meditation” in popular discourse typically alludes to Eastern traditions and self-focused mental relaxation techniques.

Unlike Christian contemplative prayer, Zen Buddhism aims for enlightenment through full presence in the current moment.

A Hindu teacher, Baba Muktananda, once claimed that God dwells within us as we are. However, this differs from Christian belief, which holds that God dwells within us as God—a concept known as divine indwelling. Some individuals have negative experiences with the church, perceiving it as judgmental rather than a place fostering love and acceptance. Consequently, they seek spiritual guidance elsewhere. It’s important to remember that we should not pass judgment on these people for their choices.

Nowadays, meditation appears more prevalent among non-believers as a mind-calming practice than prayer is among Christians. This disparity may be partly due to many Christians being unaware of Christian meditation traditions. However, a growing interest in meditative practices among Christians, both in the US and elsewhere, suggests this trend is shifting.

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and attentive, has gained widespread popularity. Regina Chow Trammel, a professor at Azusa Pacific Christian University, offers guidance on incorporating mindfulness into Christian practice. Along with her colleague John Trent, she authored a book on Christian mindfulness for therapeutic use. Is there any issue with employing mindfulness solely as a relaxation technique, rather than as a religious practice?

The term mindfulness, though popular, can be misleading. While it originates from Buddhism and emphasizes awareness, Christian meditation differs in its purpose. Both practices encourage being present, but Christian meditation specifically aims to deepen one’s connection with God. It involves relinquishing thoughts and images to allow divine guidance.

One might contend that both Buddhist and Christian practices lead to increased calmness and presence. However, the purpose behind meditation is crucial. What, then, is the objective of contemplative prayer?

Contemplative prayer in Christianity aims to foster a deeper relationship with God, distinguishing it from typical prayer forms. Unlike Buddhist meditation, which focuses on present-moment awareness, Christian contemplative prayer seeks to strengthen one’s connection with Christ through a prayer of assent. This approach allows for a more intimate experience of the divine, aligning our desires with spiritual growth.

By surrendering to God’s presence, we open ourselves to healing and transformation. This deepened relationship with the divine can mend our wounds and remove barriers, enabling us to become more compassionate and loving Christians. Through this process, we may discover the gifts of the Spirit within us. Ultimately, contemplative prayer can guide us towards divine union, the pinnacle of spiritual mystery.

The contemplative prayer of consent has a purely Christian origin, despite the understandable skepticism surrounding it. In today’s world, where numerous spiritual practices and techniques are promoted, it’s natural to approach new methods with caution. However, this particular form of prayer is firmly rooted in Christian tradition.

Its source is the Holy Scriptures, God’s word embodied in Jesus. Its source is trinitarian, it is about total giving and receiving between the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son.

Several verses from Scripture form the foundation of the prayer of consent, with Matthew’s Gospel offering particularly notable examples. One famous passage advises, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” Another reminds us, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” These verses emphasize the intimate and personal nature of prayer, as well as God’s omniscience.

For 1600 years, contemplative prayer was central to Christian spirituality, aiming to foster a deep connection with God. This practice declined after the Reformation but has experienced a revival in recent decades, largely due to efforts by Christian orders and the Second Vatican Council. Today, it is increasingly recognized that this form of spiritual communion should be accessible to all believers, not just those in monastic life.

The medieval mystical text “Cloud of Unknowing” is a renowned work on contemplative prayer. In the 20th century, monks Thomas Keating and Thomas Merton drew upon the teachings of desert fathers and mothers to popularize this form of prayer. A Slovak translation of the book is forthcoming.

Key figures in contemplative prayer include John Cassian, Saint Augustine, Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint John of the Cross. Many Christians are unaware of meditation practices within their faith tradition, and even those who are aware often struggle to maintain silence for brief periods..

In Cloud of Ignorance , it is written that contemplative prayer is not for everyone.

Contemplative prayer, while open to all, is often misunderstood. The author of The Cloud of Ignorance emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong prayer foundation before pursuing contemplation. Although God welcomes everyone to deepen their spiritual connection, most people are accustomed to discursive prayer, which involves intellectual and emotional engagement through asking, praising, and adoring. While discursive prayer is fundamental to Christian practice and serves as a stepping stone to contemplation, many remain unaware of this more profound form of spiritual communion.

It is a completely natural development of the Christian’s journey from traditional prayer to contemplative prayer, in which we let go of our thoughts and rest with God. You are not a bad person if you do not feel called to it, but it is normal when such a development happens in a person and we give ourselves to God and let him act in us.

Saint Gregory the Great defined contemplative prayer as a state of restful communion with God, transcending mental imagery and concepts. For 1600 years, this form of prayer was the church’s primary focus. However, it gradually lost prominence, only to be rediscovered in recent times. The question remains: what led to the decline of contemplative prayer’s significance in Christian practice?

The Reformation led to this disconnect. And that is why many people think that there is only discursive prayer.

Let’s go to the actual practice of the prayer of consent. Several people have told me that when they try to pray in silence, their thoughts immediately start swirling in their heads, so they give up after a while. The prayer of approval “cleans” the thoughts with the help of a sacred word chosen by the person praying.

Common misconceptions about prayer include the belief that we should eliminate thoughts entirely. However, the goal is not to suppress or fight against thoughts, but rather to detach from them. This skill develops with practice. The prayer of consent, also known as the prayer of faith, involves turning to God with confidence whenever thoughts arise, gradually learning to separate oneself from them. Through this process, we come to realize that we are not defined by our thoughts. The aim is not to empty our minds of thoughts, but to release our attachments to them.

Cultivating awareness of our thoughts is challenging. The initial step is acknowledging their occurrence. For instance, during prayer, a pleasant thought about a vacation might arise. Instead of dwelling on it, we can use a sacred word to refocus. By committing to two daily 20-minute sessions of silent meditation, we can learn to detach from our thoughts and deepen our connection with God.

I distinguish my thoughts and make a solemn commitment. By separating myself from my thoughts and surrendering to God, I relinquish my desires and accept His presence. I believe God’s power to heal and transform us into more loving and conscious beings far exceeds our own capabilities..

Upon beginning the practice of consent prayer, I experienced intense spiritual moments filled with joy and peace. Initially, I felt special, but I soon realized that while many people may experience similar effects, such as lowered blood pressure, the true purpose of contemplative prayer is to deepen one’s relationship with God.

The Cloud of Ignorance teaches that some individuals may not feel anything during prayer, yet this doesn’t negate its impact. God understands who needs experiences to persevere and who doesn’t. Those with stronger personalities may not require such motivations, while others might. This realization was humbling for me, as it challenged my initial perceptions of my spiritual journey.

I remember one lady at a lecture on the prayer of consent, who said that during this prayer she does nothing but say her sacred word, because as soon as she says it, another thought comes and it goes round and round. Does it still matter?

It clearly has meaning. By saying the sacred word, we are actually surrendering ourselves to God. We separate ourselves from our thoughts and say, “God, you are much wiser than I am.”

A prayer of agreement in a group is very powerful. I have no explanation for this except as it says in the Bible that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Group prayer sessions can enhance the experience of peace and closeness with God. Weekend or ten-day retreats involving all-day silent prayer are particularly impactful. While such retreats are not currently available in Slovakia, they could be organized in the future. Finding a local group that meets regularly, such as twice a week, can be beneficial. For those unable to attend in person, online group prayer options are available through the Meditation Chapel website, though face-to-face meetings are generally preferable.

Mária Melicherová

Practicing prayer of consent in parishes not only cultivates spiritual growth but also fosters community building. As people pray together, they naturally develop care and connection with one another. The effectiveness of this practice relies on belief and dedication, as emphasized by the rule “It will work when you do it.”

Regarding the choice of a sacred word, while it was humorously suggested that even “sausage” could be used since the word’s primary function is to express surrender to God’s presence, it may be more beneficial to select a word that carries inherent spiritual power when repeated throughout the prayer.

The joke highlights a common misunderstanding of the sacred word in contemplative prayer. People often mistake it for invoking a specific entity, like the Virgin Mary, when chosen as the word. However, the prayer of consent differs from ordinary discursive prayer, where one communicates with God through requests, praises, or seeking intercession. In contemplative prayer, we aim to release our thoughts and simply express our presence. We let go of our agendas and attachments, focusing solely on being present in the moment.

So it is good to use a word that is sacred to you, but at the same time understand that the word expresses consent and surrender.

The prayer of consent focuses on returning to a sacred word rather than actively listening for God’s voice. While silence can foster receptivity to divine guidance, this prayer is not meant for dialogue. Instead, it cultivates deep peace. Any perceived messages or visions should be gently set aside, returning focus to the sacred word.

Although insights may arise during this prayer, its primary purpose is not to receive guidance. Nonetheless, many find that after practicing the prayer of consent, they experience clarity about their daily tasks and priorities, making it an unexpectedly effective tool for time management.

But when insights and guidance come, according to the rules, you also have to “let go” and return to the sacred word.

Yes, but when it’s important, that thought comes back. He will stay with you.

It often happens that when we sit in silence, all the tasks and duties that need to be done come to mind. Is it appropriate to write it down somewhere at the beginning of the prayer so that it does not bother us?

At the beginning of the prayer of approval, I recommend including the so-called vestibule time. I sit down, I can drink tea, light a candle, write something in my diary, pray the Lord’s Prayer or with the Word of God in the lectio divina way, and after this time to calm down I go to the prayer of approval.

For some people, the best time for this prayer is right after waking up. In the morning, our mind is not so distracted.

We can hardly say the prayer of consent late before going to bed, because we would fall asleep with it, even if there is a lot of noise in the house. Do you have any tips on how to create this time?

According to many recommendations, the best time to pray is the just-mentioned morning, when we are in a better mood. The time in the afternoon, around two or three in the afternoon, also worked well for me. It depends on the life situation.

Saint Francis de Sales said that if you cannot find time to pray twice a day, pray three times a day. (Laughs.)

It is recommended to pray the prayer of consent for twenty minutes, ideally twice a day. Isn’t that too long for a beginner? Isn’t it better to start with five or ten minutes?

Twenty minutes is a good time. But if someone cannot do twenty, let him choose a fixed time and pray for five minutes, and if he can stretch, let him stay longer. But twenty minutes is recommended.

Do you know why twenty minutes are recommended?

It takes time for the mind to slow down. I personally pray the prayer of approval for forty-five minutes every morning. So it can be longer, but twenty minutes is a reasonable time.

When praying for approval, it is recommended to sit with your back straight and your head not resting, your hands freely in your lap and your legs uncrossed on the ground. Is this position important?

The nice thing about this Christian contemplation is that you don’t have to have perfect posture. Sitting up straight keeps us awake. And this position also expresses surrender.

As we go deeper and deeper into silence in the prayer of assent, the point is to be able to sit undisturbed. Silence is the first language of God. It is a place where we can be with him and where he speaks to us.

On the Contemplative Outreach website, I saw that among the contemplative prayers you engage in, in addition to the prayer of consent, you also read the Holy Scriptures in the lectio divina way. Can the prayer of consent be combined with the practice of lectio divina?

Lectio divina is from the same family of contemplative prayers, although they are two different things. In lectio divina, it is a prayer with the word of God, but not on an intellectual level. It has four steps, reading God’s word out loud, which we let penetrate into ourselves and receive through it from God what He wants to give us. It is about spending time intensively with the Word of God.

Ideally, we pray the lectio divina and then the prayer of approval.

What was your personal journey to contemplative prayer?

I grew up in a Catholic family that lived the faith very vividly, my great-aunt was a religious sister. The Catholic tradition was beautiful for me, I experienced faith also as a personal experience of friendship with God, it was not just about following the rules.

However, in my teenage years I began to ask myself questions such as why suffering exists. I didn’t understand it and I wasn’t getting good answers to them. Part of my spiritual journey was also a kind of desert, a period of doubt and mistrust. I was a bit lost during my college years. I was looking for a spiritual experience, and going to church, following the commandments, or traditional prayers were not enough for me.

So I began to discover various teachers or gurus of Eastern religions, I participated in many of their workshops. As part of my work with Christian psychiatrist and author of the community building method Scott Peck, I got to know contemplative prayer and was amazed at what a rich tradition the church has. So in my twenties I discovered Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating, St. John of the Cross, and the teachings of the desert mothers and fathers, and it was like a revelation to me. I attended a weekly prayer of consent seminar and had an experience that profoundly affected my life. It was a kind of conversion experience.

Contemplative prayer, especially the prayer of assent, became crucial to me as I yearned for a more profound connection with God.

How did it happen that you started spreading this prayer around the world?

As part of our Christian journey, it’s natural to want to share the good news we’ve experienced, though we should be mindful to share genuinely rather than forcefully. After joining Contemplative Outreach, an organization with a European presence, I began teaching the prayer of consent and received invitations from numerous churches. This contemplative prayer practice aligns well with my work in leading community-building seminars, as it essentially functions as a form of group contemplation.

You have been praying the prayer of consent for decades. How does it affect your life?

Through prayer, I’ve become less reactive and more emotionally balanced. It has enhanced my sensitivity, kindness, and ability to listen. I’m less distracted by technology and more focused on living in the present moment, fully experiencing my surroundings. Prayer has also cultivated greater gratitude, joy, and a richer sense of life overall.e.

Many people have a similar experience. You start praying the prayer of approval and after three months people start asking you, “What’s wrong with you? Have you started running or do you exercise more? You are calmer.’

Contemplative prayer fosters a deep friendship with God, fulfilling our innate longing for connection. However, this practice isn’t suitable for everyone, as it involves internal transformation and healing. As one progresses, periods of spiritual dryness and disorientation may occur, which Saint John of the Cross termed “the night of the senses.” These challenging times require complete trust in God and detachment from worldly attachments. To navigate these difficulties, it’s crucial to seek guidance from experienced spiritual mentors and remain connected to a supportive Christian community.

So would you recommend having spiritual guidance for this prayer?

Contemplative prayer fosters transformation, surrender, and growth, though it can be challenging. While initial years often bring peace and healing, practitioners may encounter difficulties in later stages. Relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance is crucial. Although anyone can engage in silent prayer and assent, seeking spiritual direction is advisable.