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Kataphatic or Apophatic Prayer?

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Did you know that Ignatian prayer is “kataphatic” as opposed to “apophatic?” Neither did I.

Actually, these fancy words point to a useful distinction. “Kataphatic” prayer has content; it uses words, images, symbols, ideas. “Apophatic” prayer has no content. It means emptying the mind of words and ideas and simply resting in the presence of God. Centering prayer is apophatic. Ignatian prayer is mostly kataphatic.

That’s an oversimplification. Here’s an article by Frederick McLeod, SJ, that explains the details.

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