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:
- Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop – Jul 19th, 10:00am – 2:30pm CDT – offered in-person at Middleway Urban Monastery in College Station, TX. An Introduction to Centering Prayer Retreat, led by the Heart of Texas Contemplative Community, will offer teaching, guided practice, and spacious time to encounter God in silence. Whether you’re completely new or have been practicing for a while, you are welcome. The cost is $20 (lunch is provided); for more details, see this link. To register, email via this link.
- Sacred Embodiment – Online Enrichment – Jul 19th 1:00pm – 4:00pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. Sacred Embodiment will include prayerful movements, moving prayers & sensation practices as well as heart-opening restful, restorative positions as vestibules for preparing for the stillness & silence of Centering Prayer. Sharon Johnson will lead this offering. Participants need a quiet space near an open wall, a yoga or fitness mat, a bolster, a folding chair, 2-3 yoga blankets, & any other props for personal comfort. The cost is $15; for more details and to register, see this link.
- Sacred Sounds Retreat- Jul 26th 9:00am – 3:00pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. This retreat offers a day of conscious listening and healing through sound, along with periods of Centering Prayer. We will engage in practices that invite personal healing through the use of our own voices, listening to ancient sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, and resting in silence and solitude. Registration spaces are limited. Bring a brown bag lunch. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. The cost is $25; for more details and to register, see this link.
- Centering Prayer 1-Day Retreat – Aug 2nd, 9 am – 3 pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. For more details and to register, see this link.
- 1/2-Day Centering Prayer Online Retreat – Aug 30th, 1:00 – 4:00 pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. There is no cost for the retreat and donations are joyfully received. For more details and to register, see this link.
- Centering Prayer 6-Day Retreat – Sept 12th – Sept 17th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at the beautiful Cedarbrake Retreat Center, Belton, TX. The schedule will be quite spacious, with extended free time in silence and solitude. Retreat includes vegetarian meals and private room lodging. The retreat begins with dinner at 6pm Friday and concludes by 11am Wednesday. For more info and to register, see this link.

For retreats and introduction to Centering Prayer workshops in the year of 2025, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2025 will be updated as changes become available.

Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2025. 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 Misty Blahuta. 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