Contemplative Quote by David Bentley Hart
““The contemplative seeks to be drawn ever more deeply into the circle of divine being, consciousness, and bliss, the circle of God knowing and delighting in the infinity of his own essence. The practice of contemplative prayer, therefore, is among the highest expressions of rationality possible, a science of consciousness and of its relation to the being of all things, requiring the most intense devotion of mind and will to a clear perception of being and consciousness in their unity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Beauty of the Infinite, 2019
Contemplative prayer is viewed as a rational, scientific exploration of consciousness that unites mind, will, and divine essence.
In simple terms: Prayer as a rational study of consciousness and divine unity.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate deep, disciplined prayer to perceive unity.
Themes
spirituality
philosophy
mindfulness
devotion
Mood
reverent
introspective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- theological study
- spiritual retreats
- academic discourse
Key Concepts
consciousness
divine unity
rational mysticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance rational inquiry with mystical experience?
- What practices help maintain devotion without burnout?
A Different Perspective
Requires intense mental discipline and may be inaccessible to those unfamiliar with mystic traditions.
![“It is to this silence [contemplative prayer] that we all are called.” quote by Henri Nouwen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f97/henri-nouwen-600_contemplative_it-is-to-this-silence-contemplative-pray_179446.jpg)
![“This mystical stream [contemplative prayer] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality.” quote by Tilden Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f24/tilden-edwards-85901_bridges_this-mystical-stream-contemplative-praye_2457411.jpg)
