The Contemplative Journey - by Methods of Contemplation

COURSE

The Contemplative Journey

With Methods of Contemplation

As your guide on The Contemplative Journey, I’ll lead you through a quick but in-depth look at the path of interior silence, solitude, and stillness practiced by Christian mystics through the ages. Our journey together will provide a bird's-eye view of the path to help you orient yourself with the lay of the land, the guideposts, and the potential pitfalls along the way. You will learn the rich history, philosophy and theology behind contemplation to give you an understanding of how the tradition has a firm rooting in Christianity. We’ll also develop multiple practices that engender a sense of friendship, intimacy, and union with God, stepping into the mystical or experiential nature of faith. We’ll enjoy the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of contemplative prayer and meditation as fruits of the spirit that flow from our inner life in God, to our outer life in the world.

PerformanceContemplationLoveRelationshipsContemplative ReadingSelf-ObservationContemplative PrayerChristianityReligionCentering PrayerSpiritualitySpiritualityClarity

Meet your Teacher

Methods of Contemplation
Salisbury, MD, USA

Methods is a platform led by Jory Pryor for Christian contemplatives and others in-tune with spirit, with a focus on reinvigorating the little-known contemplative tradition for future generations, in addition to providing interfaith and inter-spiritual practices for those with other spiritual backgrounds.

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5 Days

2.0k students

4.9 stars

20 min / day

Performance

English

Lesson 1

A Bird's-Eye View

On the first day, we will explore the roots of the contemplative path, starting with examples from Jesus and other figures in scripture, and continuing to the desert fathers and mothers, and finally to modern-day mystics. We’ll spread out our map of the contemplative path, to see the larger patterns that seem to recur for spiritual seekers throughout history. You’ll be introduced to a short and sweet prayer that you can start immediately, and will carry you throughout the course and into your daily life.

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Lesson 2

Purgation: Preparing The Heart

Now, we’ll get into the details of the contemplative path as it was conceived by the desert fathers and mothers in the early centuries of Christianity. These ascetics devoted their entire lives to the surrender to God, and saw three main phases of the journey that stood out – Purgation, Illumination, and Union. In this session, we’ll look at the process of Purgation and asceticism. You’ll see exactly what the spiritual greats like Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saint Diadychos, and John Cassian wanted to convey by their lived teaching, as well as how to recognize potential traps and pitfalls of the spiritual journey.

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Lesson 3

Illumination: Stepping Out Of The Dark

In this module, we’ll get familiar with the second leg of the Contemplative Journey, the phase of Illumination, or as I like to call it – stepping out of the dark. This illumination by the Divine light of contemplation is a pure gift, and is not something we can achieve. However, I will share what methods can help facilitate this seeing and remove obstacles to our sight.

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Lesson 4

Union: The Divine Bridal Chamber

This is the final stage of the traditional, monastic three-part contemplative journey. It’s what I like to call the Divine Bridal Chamber, and in this teaching, we’ll explore what it means to be in union with God and subsequently with all life. We’ll see what it means to integrate both action and contemplation by drawing from the deep well of Christian mysticism, as well as the flowering of the perennial philosophy through the ages.

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Lesson 5

Modern Mystics & Contemporary Contemplation

On our last day, we’ll refresh what we’ve learned so far, and begin to explore how to integrate it into our modern lifestyle. We don’t need to live in an Egyptian desert, or in a cave in the Himalayas to recognize and participate in the reality of spirit! So how do we maintain authenticity and dedication to the Divine amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday existence? How do we abide with and as our true self in the chaos of so many false selves? Let’s find out together.

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4.9 (190)

Recent Reviews

Sam

June 8, 2025

One of few that's concise, purposeful and effective

Cristina

Cristina

April 13, 2025

Amazing! Thank you.

Paul

April 4, 2025

If your ready to find the elusive path to Peace; then relax and enjoy th Ex guidance provided here!

Lance

Lance

January 31, 2025

I listen to this course over and over. Probably with more repetitions of cycling from beginning to end then any prior course. Each cycle brings forth a new experience each time.

Benjamin

Benjamin

September 7, 2024

Beautiful! And so gently guided. I'm grateful for the course. For me, the emphasis on transcending the ego and body didn't resonate.

Anne

Anne

July 23, 2024

Informative, interesting and I love the meditations at each session end. I will listen again. Thank you, Grace & Peace to you 🙏

John

June 28, 2024

I cannot say enough good things about this course. The instructor's voice is wonderfully calming and grounding. The concepts presented are clear, logical and heartfelt. Each class has a simple and profound meditation that is given at the end. I will listen to this again and again.

Daniel

June 27, 2024

Bless you for your intent, research, and wonderful presentation! I gained a great deal! I will be repeating the course for further learning and insights! 🌈🙏🕊️❤️🌟🌠🌎🌓

Gregory

Gregory

May 29, 2024

Wonderful, thank you so much for this.

Brenda

May 4, 2024

I'd like to very spiritual ink filled and I'd like to know your background.

Jordan

Jordan

May 1, 2024

Phenomenal course. Very well thought out.

Jack

Jack

November 18, 2023

A beautifully constructed discursive and felt journey that will enlighten all seekers of the divine Ground. This course has laid a new foundation for my contemplative practice.

Matt

September 19, 2023

Thank you. Succinct introduction while maintaining authenticity and depth.

Yvonne

July 21, 2023

This was amazing. I have been listening to the podcast by James Finley affiliate with the CAC. I have found this course to be so helpful with everything I am learning and trying to Be. Thank you so much. You are gifted and like the others who have commented, I have listened multiple times and will continue to come back to it!

Juliana

June 13, 2023

Genius

Nancy

June 13, 2023

I am going too go back and listen too this again. I learned so much but I know I missed something’s. Great course

Izabela

May 30, 2023

No words worthy for description! ❤️

K

April 24, 2023

Thank you, for the wonderful insight to direct all thoughts in contemplation to loving God-Father, Christ, Holy Spirit with all my heart. ❤️ Kathleen

Jeanne

Jeanne

February 2, 2023

Excellent!

Angie

January 24, 2023

Wow!!!! One of the best classes I’ve taken. Will continue to listen to these meditations and I think will repeat this course.

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