Let us begin by saying that the basic difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation is a human mode of prayer whereas contemplation is divinely infused prayer.
This morning I consider, consideration. It's a term often used in the Bible, I believe in both the old and new testament. While you are going about your life, have you considered this... It's the entryway to the contemplative life. I use contemplation there, as a culminating thing, intentionally. Before I read a little bit, I might have considered using the word meditation instead, but that reveals my persuasion and error; also my inexperience. Meditation is man-initiated deep-thought. It's hope is to reach God. Contemplation, as exposed in the article below, is Spirit-breathed prayer inside of us, guiding us to right and holy actions. As I was searching consideration "vs" the other 2 terms, concentration came up. Presently, I see that as the course from consideration to meditation. So, we have this path:
Consider -> Concentrate -> Meditate -> Contemplate
Though, I don't believe it is so linear as a kind of human-God dance, into and out of each of the different realms, almost like smoke being swirled with the motion of a hand through it. Sometimes the hand is God's, sometimes my own, and sometimes that of someone else. Perhaps later in life, the smoke becomes water, and later still the water, land. That would certainly be a miracle.
https://carmelitesistersocd.com/2013/meditation-contemplation/
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