Welcome

Welcome to the Heart of Texas chapter of Contemplative Outreach (HoTCO). We are an ecumenical group of women and men serving together to support those who want to deepen their relationship with God through the practice of Centering Prayer.

Centering Prayer is an ancient method of Christian prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence, traditionally called contemplative prayer.

HoTCO is one of more than 90 active chapters in 39 countries formed by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., a worldwide spiritual network that provides support and resources for Centering Prayer practitioners.

We offer Introduction to Centering Prayer workshops and retreats ranging from one to ten days in length.

We support Centering Prayer groups that meet daily, weekly and monthly in various churches, homes and institutions, as well as contemplative church services throughout the area.

Latest news…

  • COVID-19 Updates:
    • Retreats are being offered Online only, In-Person only, and Hybrid (both) – check the details for additional updates.
    • Many local Centering Prayer groups are now meeting virtually using Zoom conferencing. For the latest updates, please see Prayer Groups.
    • The Meditation Chapel currently offers many online opportunities each week to join others in Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. These are a wonderful way to pray with others in community, while remaining at home. When looking at their calendar, note that the Centering Prayer groups meet in the ‘Thomas Keating Chapel.’
  • You are invited:
    • 1-Day Centering Prayer Retreat Workshop- “A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Centering Prayer“ – Sat, May 21st, 9:00 – 3:00 pm (CDT). Offered Online only by the Church of Conscious Harmony – led by Jim Reale. The cost is $25; for more info and to register, select this link.
    • 1/2 Day In-Person Centering Prayer Retreat – Wed, May 25th, 1:00 – 5:00 pm (CDT). Offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. For more info and to register, select this link.
    • 1-Day Centering Prayer Virtual Retreat- Sat, Jun 4th, 9:00 – 3:00 pm (CDT). Offered Online only by the Church of Conscious Harmony For more info and to register, select this link.
    • Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop – Sat, Jun 4th 10:00am – 12:00pm (CDT). Offered Online only by the Church of Conscious Harmony. For more info and to register, select this link.
    • 5-day “Welcoming Prayer” Centering Prayer Retreat at Cedarbrake Renewal Center, Fri, Jun 10 6:00pm – Tue, Jun 14 10:30am. Offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. This 5-day retreat led by Pamela Begeman and Jill Frank, will offer the opportunity to practice Centering Prayer alongside the Welcoming Prayer. There will be guided practice sessions, devotional time including the Eucharist and Compline, optional private interviews with the retreat leaders, as well as spacious time in silence and solitude. The cost is $600; for more info and to register, select this link.
    • Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop (In-Person) – Sat, Jul 15th. Offered by Vox Veniae. The cost is $25- includes “Open Mind, Open Heart” book and five successive meetings (one per week). For more info and to register, select this link.
  • For retreats in the year of 2022, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2022 will be updated as changes become available.
    • The 12-Step Outreach service team will by led by Emily Haeussler. If you are interested, please contact Emily.
    • Pamela Begeman is offering Welcoming Prayer workshops to the HoTCO community. The workshops can be 1-day or a series of evening meetings to accommodate your church or community. If you are interested, please contact Pamela. 
  • The 2022 Calendar of introductory workshops and retreats is tentatively set. Explore the events in 2022 and sign up for one!
  • Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2022. There are also several contemplative church services around town that we’re aware of. Information on these can be found on the Other Events page and will be updated as we receive new information.
  • Consider supporting our Centering Prayer community by joining one of our Service Teams. We would love to hear from you regarding your interest in serving our chapter by mailing Lynne Roy or Kristi Michener. Your involvement in our Centering Prayer community is vital!

…when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
~ Matthew 6:6

Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions, whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, thinking, feeling and choosing; even closer than consciousness itself.
~ Fr. Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart