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…

You are invited:
- Forming a Center Prayer Practice – Sat, Feb 11th 9:00 am to 12:00 pm CT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony in-person and online via Zoom. This Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop includes follow-up meetings via Zoom held four consecutive Mondays 7:00-8:15pm US Central Time beginning Feb 13th. After the Saturday class, you are welcome to join in the afternoon portion of the 1-day Centering Prayer online retreat, held concurrent with the Introduction class. The cost is $15. For more info and to register, select this link.
- 1-Day Online Centering Prayer Retreat – Sat, Feb 11th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm CT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. All are welcome to register to participate in this 1-day retreat. There is no cost. Donations are joyfully received. For more info and to register, select this link.
- Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop – Sat, Feb 25th 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm CT– offered by Metanoia Journey. The workshop will be in-person in central Austin at Journey Imperfect Faith Community’s campus. The workshop is open to the public and the registration is open until February 19th. The cost is $30; for more info and to register, select this link.
- 8-Day In-person Lenten Centering Prayer Retreat – Fri, Mar 10th 6:00 pm thru Fri, Mar 17th 10:30 am CT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, TX. The retreat – led by Father Carl Arico- will be prayerful, quiet and spacious. There will be several periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, prayerful movement and celebration of the Eucharist. There will be times for spiritual companioning, if desired, silence and solitude, and expansive spaces for time on one’s own — to walk in nature, to read, journal, or simply to rest. The retreat cost is $995 and includes a private room, vegetarian meals, and linens. The retreat will be held in the Lodge. For more info and to register, select this link.

HoTCO is sponsoring a Centering Prayer Presenter Formation Training retreat Aug 24-26, 2023 at the Church of Conscious Harmony. If you are interested in becoming a Commissioned Centering Prayer Presenter, please see this link for more infomation.
For retreats and introduction to Centering Prayer workshops in the year of 2023, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2023 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.

Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2023. There are also several contemplative church services around town that we’re aware of. Information on these can be found on the Contemplative Worship page and will be updated as we receive new information.
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.
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