About

The Center for Contemplative Practice is an informal group of people dedicated to giving others the practices and tools needed to grow deeper in their spirituality through contemplation, most especially, silence, solitude, work, prayer and community.

Michael F. Conrad, B.S., M.R.E., Ed.D., is retired from a full life of trying to make money, seek fame and recognition by the world, all without much success. Coming to his senses, even after the age of 72, he now struggles to have in him the mind of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5-12) Still running the race and searching for the prize, he has had a lifetime of activities to help him in his quest: he is proud to have been a U.S. Army Chaplain, pastor of parish ministry, adjunct instructor of Adult Education at Indiana University (Bloomington), University of South Florida (Tampa) and Barry University (Florida), high school instructor of religion, trainer of managers and supervisors, adjunct trainer for the Florida Certified Public Manager program, instructional designer for the State of Florida, former Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and currently a publisher, blogger and author, He is a Lay Cistercian member of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery, Conyers, Georgia, proud father of a daughter, and a humbled husband.

The center of my reality is: Philippians 2:5, “Have in you the mind of Christ Jesus.” It is the only Lectio I have used daily since 1962. I pray each day to become what my Lectio statement embodies.