Who we are

OGV is a Chapter of Contemplative Outreach International which provides resources to support the practice of Centering Prayer to a network of individuals and small faith communities throughout the world.

ur Chapter currently serves about a dozen Centering Prayer groups in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, including two on the “Sunshine Coast” of B.C. For those seeking a deeper intimacy with God through the contemplative dimension of the Gospel, we bring the resources of the worldwide organization to groups and individuals who practice Centering Prayer locally. An important aspect of our service is to provide workshops and retreats featuring Centering Prayer and related topics by commissioned presenters.

Who is Contemplative Outreach International

COGV’s efforts are guided by the Vision Statement of Contemplative Outreach International:

“Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer. The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an ever-deepening union with the living Christ and the practical caring for others that flows from that relationship."

"Our purpose is to share the method of Centering Prayer and its immediate conceptual background. We also encourage the practice of Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular and established practice of Centering prayer Facilitates."

"We identify with the Christian Contemplative heritage. While we are formed by our respective denominations, we are united in common search for God and the experience of the living Christ through Centering Prayer. We affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religions and sacred traditions, with the needs and rights of the whole human family, and with all creation.”

“We wait patiently; in silence, openness, and quiet expectancy, motionless within and without. We surrender to the attraction to be still, to be loved, just to be.”

- Thomas Keating, Open Mind Open Heart

“Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in God.”

- Thomas Keating, Invitation to Love

“Total response to Christ is only possible when we hear his word on every level of our being, including the deepest level, which is that of interior silence.”

- Thomas Keating, Heart of the World