Most of the weekend has been clouding and cool, but the sun has managed to break out today, and it is a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Just about perfect, as afternoons in Minnesota go. This weekend I watched a movie that I want to recommend. It is called Be Still, and is based on Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
This movie is about Christian contemplative prayer. It has a number of well known men and women in it, such as Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Max Lucado in it talking about contemplative prayer. It has a half dozen segments on different aspects of the topic. The fist, and longest segment is on Contemplative Prayer, and it introduces the subject. They do a good job and they answer important questions like, "What is the difference between Christian and Eastern contemplative prayer." They also correctly emphasized that contemplative prayer is not an escape, but rather, as we connect with God, we will be able to better engage all aspects of life. The movie definitely as a global focus.
Other segments talk about specific aspects of this style of prayer. One talks about the environment you do it in, and another segment talks about the "cloud of witnesses", who are well known Christians who practiced contemplative prayer in the past. One segment on "small groups" introduces the practice of lectio divina, and describes how it can be used in groups.
I think the best forum for this movie might be in the context of small groups. I envision watching a segment or two at a time, and then discussing it. It is a good introduction to the topic, though I think Magrassi's book might be better for a more detailed handling of the topic. I am seriously thinking of using this movie in the context of our small group, this fall.
