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
- 1/2-Day Centering Prayer Retreat – Wed, Nov 5th, 1:00 – 6:00 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.
- The Science of Transformation: An Experiential Integration and Day of Hope-filled Practice – Sat, Nov 8th from 10 am – 4 pm CST – offered by Contemplative Outreach of Colorado. This online (and in-person) talk will feature Jonathan L. Steele (Devotional Minister at the Church of Conscious Harmony). These times call for a need to unify the seeds of contemplative practice–to return to our fundamental essence and realize our shared human purpose as conscious transmitters of faith, hope and love. This day offers an experiential integration and hope-filled practice on behalf of all beings throughout creation and to bring spiritual healing to our lives and, by God’s grace, to this precious planet. For more info, and to register see this link.
- Co Creating as God’s Instruments CP Retreat – Nov 15th, 9 am – 3 pm CDT – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. What does it mean to live a devotional and creative life in service to God? With curiosity and wonder, participants will explore our innate God given creativity utilizing Centering Prayer, and the practice of Presence with simple mark making, time in nature, and reflective journaling. For more details and to register, see this link.
- 7-Day Advent Centering Prayer Retreat – Dec 5th – Dec 11th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at the Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, TX. This retreat will offer a prayerful, quiet, spacious time in community with periods of Centering Prayer, daily opportunities for prayerful movement/yoga, and a Vespers Lux Divina service with Lectio Divina and celebration of the Eucharist each evening. For more details and to register, see this link.
- 1/2-Day Centering Prayer Retreat – Sun, Dec 7th, 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.
- 3-Day Advent Centering Prayer Retreat – Dec 12th – Dec 14th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at the Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, TX. This retreat is an ideal opportunity for those wishing to experience a Centering Prayer retreat for the first time and for those interested in a deep retreat experience in a weekend format. For more details 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
