Contemplative Prayer is like an Iceberg.
“Since the density of pure water ice is ca. 920 kg/m³, and that of sea water ca. 1025 kg/m³, typically, only one ninth of the volume of an iceberg is above water. The shape of the remainder under the water can be difficult to surmise from looking at what is visible above the surface. This has led to the expression "tip of the iceberg", generally applied to a problem or difficulty, meaning that the visible trouble is only a small manifestation of a larger problem.” – (Wikipedia)
I would like to re-frame a definition of “tip of the iceberg”. I see the tip of the iceberg as our love of others (visible) which is only a small manifestation of our love of God (invisible).
THE TIP: We always only see the tip of the iceberg. The portion beneath the water is eight times larger than what is seen. This principle is true no matter how large or small the iceberg is. In my analogy, I view the “seen” parts of our lives (the things we do that let other people know who we really are; our words, our actions, our relationships) as “love of others”. That love may be small or large but it is directly proportionate to our love of God.
THE BERG: I see our love of God is the base of the iceberg. Luk 7:47 states, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Love for God becomes greater when we are faced with our own sinfulness and brokenness. Contemplative prayer enlarges the base of our iceberg (our love for God) by placing us before God and revealing our weakness. Nouwen refers to this as “death” in contemplative prayer. This process is followed by “birth” where we experience the embrace of God, and in this phase we learn how to express love for others as we have received God's love. This pushes the tip of the iceberg up, creating more space above the surface for individuals to receive from us, the love of God.
3 comments:
That picture (top) of the iceberg is gorgeous! Oh the depths of Christ!
I have never come across the term "contemplative prayer" in fact, prayer is what I know the least about. What is contemplative prayer? And what would be a good book to read about prayer?
Hope, Try The Sacred Way by Tony Jones as an introduction to the disciplines. His whole section on Via Contemplativa will be helpful for you. Contemplative prayer is a broad category that encompasses several different practices in Christian spirituality. Hope that helps. : )
Post a Comment