Christian contemplation

There is nothing so destitute as a mind philosophising about God, when it is without Him. ~ Diadochos of Photiki

Christian contemplation (Latin contemplatio, Greek θεωρία), refers to Christian practices which aim at "looking at", "gazing at", "being aware of" God or the Divine.

Quotes

• Practical life is not necessarily directed toward other people, as some think; and it is not the case that practical thoughts are only those which result from action for the sake of what ensues. On the contrary, much more practical are those mental activities and reflections which have their goal in themselves and take place for their own sake.
  • Aristotle, Politics, VII, 3, 8, 1325b16-20

• We ought at all times to wait for the enlightenment that comes from above before we speak with a faith energized by love; for the illumination which will enable us to speak. For there is nothing so destitute as a mind philosophising about God, when it is without Him.
  • Diadochos of Photiki, "Spiritual Knowledge" Discourse number 7 Philokalia volume 1, p. 254