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
- Earth Day Centering Prayer Retreat – Wed, Apr 22, 7:00am – 7:00pm – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. This retreat theme is “Embodied Prayer with Mother Earth”. Come for a day of prayer, fellowship, contemplation in nature, feasting and feeding, sacred embodiment and devotion. This Centering Prayer retreat will offer a variety of options for participation. For more details and to register, see this link.
- 1-Day Centering Prayer Retreat – Sat, April 25, 9am – 3:30pm– offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. All are welcome and encouraged to enjoy a Centering Prayer retreat held in the Sanctuary. There will be open times for contemplation on the peaceful grounds of CCH. For more information or to register, please visit this link.
- Introduction to Centering Prayer On-line Class, Sun, Jun 7th 1:00 – 3:00pm – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony. This class is open to anyone wanting to learn the practice of Centering Prayer. This class is designed by Contemplative Outreach, based on Fr. Thomas Keatings book Open Mind, Open Heart. In addition to the initial class, there will be follow-up meetings held online Mondays (June 8, 15, 22, & 29), from 6-7pm CDT. For more info or to register, please visit this link.
- 6-day Centering Prayer Retreat, Jun 12th – Jun 17th – offered by the Church of Conscious Harmony at Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, TX. The retreat includes three-hours of Centering Prayer each day plus an evening Lectio Divina and compline service. The daily schedule is spacious, with extended free time in silence and solitude. Enjoy vegetarian meals and private room lodging. The retreat begins with dinner at 6pm Friday and concludes by 11am Weds. Space is limited. For more info or to register, please visit this link.
For retreats and introduction to Centering Prayer workshops in the year of 2026, please see retreats and introductory workshops. Retreats and workshops for 2026 will be updated as they become available.
- Pray in Community: Our list of local Prayer Groups will be continually updated in 2026. 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
