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Videos

The Contemplative Society releases monthly videos exploring Christian spirituality, from introductions to contemplative practice and guided meditations, to conversations and interviews, as part of our ongoing offering of Christian wisdom to the world.

Featured Video (June 2026)

A Guided Lectio Divina on John 1:1–5

Experience an ancient Christian way of praying with Scripture through a guided lectio divina on John 1:1–5 from the First Nations Version of the New Testament Bible. In this short practice, you’ll be invited to move through four simple movements: lectio (hearing the Word), meditatio (receiving a word or phrase), oratio (responding in prayer), and contemplatio (resting in God’s presence, with gentle prompts and space for silence. This guided time is designed for beginners and experienced pray-ers alike, helping you listen to Scripture with the heart and carry its invitation into daily life.

A Contemplative Introduction to Scriptural Engagement

From Interpretation to Lectio Divina

Discover Lectio Divina ("divine reading"), the ancient Christian monastic practice that transforms Scripture from study to living encounter with God. In this 7-minute overview, The Contemplative Society traces the profound history of Lectio Divina, from Desert Fathers' heart-ruminating repetition, John Cassian's transmission of prayerful lectio, St. Benedict's daily mandate, Guigo II's 12th-century ladder of four movements, to Fr. Thomas Keating's modern revival as "divine therapy."

Stations of The Cross

Guided Visio Divina

This is a guided Visio Divina practice with seven Stations of the Cross (1, 2, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14). It follows the four movements: Gaze, Meditate, Pray, Contemplate, from our "What is Visio Divina" video. All images from stations of the cross are painted by O'Reilly, Bernard, 1823-1907.

What is Visio Divina?

The Ancient Practice of Praying with Art 

Discover Visio Divina ("Divine Seeing"), the ancient contemplative practice of praying with images and art. While Lectio Divina teaches us to listen to God through scripture, Visio Divina invites us to encounter God through seeing. Learn the history of this "Bible of the poor," why images are a powerful doorway to the sacred, and the four steps to begin praying with your eyes. This introduction sets the foundation for our upcoming guided practice video. Perfect for Lent or any season where you feel called to slow down and behold.

How to Practice Centering Prayer

With Simple 11-Min Guided Practice 

Learn Centering Prayer, the simple, wordless Christian contemplative practice developed by Fr. Thomas Keating. This 11-minute guided practice walks you through posture, choosing your sacred word, and consenting to God's presence within. Perfect for Christian meditation beginners seeking stillness and interior silence.

Thomas Keating and Full Contemplative Engagement

Live Seminar by Cynthia Bourgeault

Promotional video for event: In this two-hour gathering, Cynthia explores the evolution of Thomas Keating as a modern-day mystic and how his final teachings invite us into deeper, more courageous engagement with our world. We’ll look at what it means to meet reality from silence, in conversation with science, and to respond with creativity and compassion in a time of fracture and change.

The Contemplative Society

Your spiritual home

Discover your spiritual home with The Contemplative Society. We are a welcoming community dedicated to living and exploring the Christian Wisdom tradition through meditation, study, and honor for our rich contemplative lineage. Whether you're new to contemplation or seeking a deeper spiritual journey grounded in Christian practice, join us as we celebrate diversity, nurture connection with the earth, and thoughtfully learn from the wisdom of other traditions. All are invited to engage with us on the path of contemplative Christian living.

Interview with Cynthia Bourgeault by Michael Flynn

The Contemplative Society 20th anniversary

Join Michael Flynn as he interviews Cynthia on "the early years" and the formation of The Contemplative Society, from its roots on Salt Spring Island, to the World.

Aramaic Lord's Prayer

by Brian Puida Mitchell

This original form of the Lord's Prayer has come to us in Greek. The scholar Joseph Fitzmeyer has translated the original text into first century Aramaic, the mother-tongue of Jesus. The musical mode used for the chant is Middle Eastern.

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