Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh |
Vision and Theological Principles: Contemplative Outreach International (September 2007)
Purpose
The purpose of Contemplative outreach is to support one another in the process of Divine transformation through the practice of Centering Prayer.
Who We Are
Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network composed of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life. A commitment to the regular practice of Centering Prayer is the primary expression of belonging to the spiritual network.
The following Theological Principles are the basis for the spirit and vision of Contemplative Outreach
1. As a growing spiritual network with an evolving vision and practice, we serve the needs of Christian contemplatives through an attitude of listening and responding.
2. We seek to embody the Divine appeal: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind: and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
3. We deepen our relationship with God through living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life.
4. The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an ever-deepening union with living Christ and the practical caring for others that flows from this relationship. It reveals the deeper meaning of the mysteries of Christ.
5. We present the practice of Centering Prayer which consists of responding to the call of the Holy Spirit to consent to God’s presence and action within. God’s presence affirms our basic core of goodness and God’s action is the process of transformation in Christ.
6. We also present the practice of listening to the living Word of God in scripture(Lectio Divina), particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular, established practice of Centering Prayer facilitates.
7. The source of Centering Prayer is the Indwelling Trinity. Its focus is the deepening of our relationship with the redeeming Christ. It builds communities of faith and bonds the members together in charity.
8. We are formed by our respective denominations, but united in our common search for God and the experience of the living Christ through Centering Prayer.
9. We identify with the Christian Contemplative Heritage in which Centering Prayer is rooted. We recognize this Heritage as the common ground of Christian unity.
10. Centering Prayer leads to an ever-deepening commitment to the needs and rights of each member of the human family and an ever-increasing respect for the integrity and interdependence of all creation.
11. We affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religious and sacred traditions.
12. We foster a spirit of unity, generosity and utmost charity in all of our relationships.
13. Following the teachings of Jesus, we exercise leadership as service.
14. We acknowledge that any good accomplished by Contemplative Outreach is the work of the Holy Spirit.