“Everything Begins in Prayer”: A Qualitative Study of Contemplative Prayer and Associated Perceptions of God’s Where-Being Among Polish Catholics
Journal of Psychology and Theology July 9, 2026 Elżbieta Łazarewicz-Wyrzykowska
Contemplative prayer practices among Polish Catholics, both charismatic and non-charismatic, shape and are shaped by how they represent God's presence—as transcendent, immanent, close, all-permeating, indwelling, or sacramental. Although participants rarely used the term 'contemplation,' their practices, including breath prayer and attention to posture, aligned with Catholic teachings on contemplative prayer. The research suggests a reciprocal relationship between God representations and prayer practices, with implications for theology, psychology, and caregiving.