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:
    • Most retreats have moved to a virtual, online format using Zoom conferencing. See below and check back 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:
    • Centering Prayer 4-Day Virtual Advent Retreat – Thu, Dec 2nd – Sun, Dec 5th – offered by COSA (Contemplative Outreach San Antonio). This is an online, Zoom-enabled retreat. It’s an entry into an intentional Advent where we are invited to pause, listen, reflect, and be renewed in our relationship with the Indwelling Presence through prayer, silence, solitude and community. During this retreat, we will practice Incarnation through intentional silence, solitude, listening, resting and stillness. This retreat is about spaciousness – giving ourselves over to extended, open time just to be with God in prayer, in nature, in walking, music, reading and the silent company of others on retreat. The program is free and open to all. A donation of $40 is suggested and all donations are gratefully accepted. For more information or to register, select this link.
    • Centering Prayer 7-Day Advent Retreat – Fri, Dec 3rd – Thur, Dec 9th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, TX. The cost is $750 for a double room or $810 for a single room. Please call the church office to register at 512-347-9673.
    • Centering Prayer 1-Day Virtual Retreat – Sat, Dec 11th 9:00am – 3:00 pm – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. There is no cost- donations are gratefully accepted; for more information or to register, contact CCH at 512-347-9673 or select this link.
  • For retreats in the year of 2021, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2021 will be updated as changes become available.
    • The 12-Step Outreach service team will by led by Emily Haeussler and will have presenters for 2020. 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 2021 Calendar of introductory workshops and retreats is tentatively set. Explore the events in 2021 and sign up for one!
  • Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2021. 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