What is the difference between contemplation and adoration?

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Alma

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What would you say is the difference between prayer of adoration and contemplation?
:gopray:
how do you adore? how do you contemplate?
 
Prayer of adoration would be worshiping God as who He truly is, God. This would be different than veneration, which would be respect or praise for a saint or relic.

Contemplation would be nondiscursive forms of prayer, sort of like a meditation. It does not depend on the mind’s active faculties in prayer. It’s the opposite of actively “thinking,” but meditating.

I probably gave horrible/mediocre definitions, so hopefully our Christian brothers and sisters can give better definitions.
 
Contemplative prayer is tricky to define. I’m not sure I’ve ever been there. I’d have to think about it for awhile, but I honesty don’t think I 've gotten there. Actually though, I think it is more a matter of God putting you there. It is infused by God, it is a gift and grace from God and not something you attain to on your own power. Feel free to disagree with me fellow CAF members. I too would like to hear what others say.

For good explanations, I recommend the Catechism and the writings of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
 
Adoration is what we do.

Contemplation is what God does within our souls.

Contemplation is a gift, it’s being in the presence of God who dwells within where we experience his divine love, which transforms us to love as He loves.

All we can do is open ourselves up to Contemplation and leave the rest to God.

Jim
 
I read in a Catholic magazine, that we should do less talking and more listening. That we should do less prayer of petition and more prayer of adoration and contemplation.
But what exactly does that mean?

When you adore, do you think or say something inside or just sit or kneel in front of Christ present in the Eucharist, and remain there without thinking or saying anything?

Is that the same with contemplative prayer? just look at Him, keep Him company, show Him your love that way?
 
Adoration is loving God because he is God, it’s what we do.

Contemplation is what God does within our souls.

Today, many use the term “contemplative prayer,” in the context of quiet interior prayer, centering prayer, or meditation.

Regardless of the terms used, it’s being in the presence of God, who dwells within, and resting in his presence.

A writer used the analogy of two lovers sitting together in each others arms. No words are necessary to express their love for each other. Just being in each others presence in the warm embrace is enough.

So it is in interior prayer, or contemplative prayer to use that term. Just being in the presence of God, with our hearts full of love for Him is enough.

Whatever takes place between the soul and God is out of love, nothing more.

Jim
 
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