Charismastic Contemplation


These are inseperable. They are able to be seperated, by they shouldn't be. The Charismatic Renewal movement, which empahsizes the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit, the 3rd person of the Trinity, centers on praise/worship and using the gifts, or charisms of the Holy Spirit. Contemplation, on the other hand, is the quiet, reccolected state of being where one simply "is" in God's presence.

The blending of these two ways of prayer can be very fruitful. In fact, one without the other can be destructive in your prayer life. Charismatic prayer, without contemplation (or mediation for that matter) can lead to excessive emotionalism, irrationalism, hypomania, and even lunacy. Contemplation, without charismatic prayer (the individual being open to the promptings and gifts of the Holy Spirit) can lead to an endless pursuit of nothingness-a quiet and self-centered escapism.

Such groups as the Intercessors of the Lambs, the Franciscans of the Renewal, and the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance are wonderful examples of religious orders who blend so well the essense of Charismatic Contemplation. St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) gives us another great example. It goes without saying, that one fruit of charismatic contemplation is active service. One ought to bring the fruits of this intimacy with the creator out to His people and to serve the Church.

"Our goal for prayer should be to bring a sober intoxication within the realm of intimate reccolection and solitude".

Paz