The repetition of words or short phrases, also known as a mantra, is key to the experience of contemplative prayer. According to Barton, you need to get into a comfortable position that allows you to stay alert and stable. It is important to breathe deeply at this time to release any tension you may be feeling, allowing you to become aware of God's presence. Give yourself a few minutes to enjoy the presence of God in peace. In his book Downtime, Barton advises people to simply close their eyes and focus on the very simple act of breathing. He mentions that during this process it is crucial to imagine with every breath that you are breathing in God's love and that with every exhale you are releasing all problems, anxieties, tensions and resistance to God. (Barton 64) On the other hand, Foster suggests a number of techniques for practicing contemplative prayer. He suggests that it is best to sit in an upright chair with your back correctly positioned on the chair and both feet flat on the floor. Place hands on knees, palms up in a gesture of receptivity. (Foster 57) Brennan Manning gives a different set of instructions in his book, The Signing of Jesus. According to Manning, the first step is to not think about God while praying. Contemplative spirituality emphasizes the need for a change in consciousness. The second step is to choose a sacred word and repeat it slowly and often. This will allow access to the silence of God. All external noise will fade away and the sound of love will be heard. Repetition of the mantra causes an empty mind as well as detachment of the mind and heart. Having an intense imagination, an inactive mind and an open heart, one enters an occult state. Foster's view regarding...... middle of article...... what Foster cites as an example of the contemplative tradition is the Apostle John. The Apostle John was one of the Twelve Apostles. He is considered the author of the Gospel of John, also known as the Book of John, and five books of the New Testament. John, his brother James and their father Zebedee were Galilean fishermen. Jesus called John and James to leave their lives as fishermen and become his apostles. Soon after, John and James became part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and Andrew. John becomes the “beloved disciple” who leans on Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23), who is “known to the high priest.” (John 18:15), to whom Jesus entrusted the care of his mother Mary (John 19:26), and who preceded Peter to the empty tomb (John 20:2-4). After the resurrection, John is considered one of the leaders of the early Church..