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 – Sep 21st, 10am – 3pm CDT – offered by the Metanoia Journey at Life in the City UMC. The cost is $35; for more details and to register, see this link.
- Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop – Sep 28th, 8:30am – 12:30pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. Learn the basics for beginning a Centering Prayer daily practice, using the Contemplative Outreach course based on Fr. Thomas Keating’s book, “Open Mind, Open Heart”. Participants are encouraged to stay and participate in the afternoon portion of the 1-day Centering Prayer Retreat (see below). Bring a brown bag lunch if planning to stay for the retreat. It will also include 4 consecutive Monday night online follow-up meetings from 7:00-8:30pm beginning Sep 30th. The cost is $15; for more details and to register, see this link.
- Centering Prayer 1-Day Retreat – Sep 28th, 9 am – 4 pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. These CP retreat will be held in-person in the Sanctuary and prayerful movement in the Fellowship Hall. Registration begins at 8:30. Light snacks will be served, please bring a lunch. There is no cost for the retreat and donations are joyfully received. For more details and to register, see this link.
- Centering Prayer 1/2-Day Retreat – Oct 2nd, 1 pm – 4 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 2-Day Welcoming Prayer Commuter Retreat – Oct 11, 12th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. This retreat will cover the basics of the Welcoming Prayer practice with guided practice sessions as well as time in Centering Prayer. The cost is $25; for more details and to register, see this link.
- Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop – Oct 12th, 8:30am – 12:30pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. Learn the basics for beginning a Centering Prayer daily practice, using the Contemplative Outreach course based on Fr. Thomas Keating’s book, “Open Mind, Open Heart”. It will also include 4 consecutive Monday night online follow-up meetings from 7:00-8:30pm beginning Oct 14th. The cost is $15; for more details and to register, see this link.

For retreats and introduction to Centering Prayer workshops in the year of 2024, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2024 will be updated as changes become available.

Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2024. 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