The repetition of words or short phrases also known as mantras, is the key to experiencing contemplative prayer. According to Barton it is necessary to assume a comfortable position that allows you to remain alert and stable. It is important to breathe deeply in this moment to release any tension you may be holding, allowing you to become aware of God's presence. Take a few minutes to enjoy God's presence in silence. In his book Downtime, Barton advises people to simply close their eyes and focus on the very simple act of breathing. He states that during this process it is crucial to imagine with each breath that you are breathing in the love of God and that with each exhalation you are releasing any problems, anxiety, tension, and resistance to God. (Barton 64)On the other hand, Foster suggests a series of techniques for practicing contemplative prayer. He suggests that it is best to sit in a straight chair, with your back positioned correctly on the chair and both feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your knees, palms facing up in a gesture of receptivity. (Foster 57) Brennan Manning provides a different set of instructions in his book, The Signature of Jesus. According to Manning, the first step is not to 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 you to access the silence of God. Any external noise will fade and you will hear the sound of love. The repetition of the mantra leads to the achievement of mental emptiness and detachment of the mind and heart. By having an intense imagination along with an inactive mind and an open heart, one enters an occult state. Foster's point of view regarding... in the center of the paper... what Foster considers an example of the contemplative tradition is John the Apostle. John the Apostle 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, together with his brother James and his father Zebedee were Galilean fishermen. Jesus called John and James to leave their lives as fishermen and become his apostles. Shortly thereafter, John and James became part of Jesus' inner circle along with Peter and Andrew. John became the "beloved disciple" who leaned on Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23), who was "known to the high priest" (John 18:15), to whom Jesus entrusted the care of his mother Mary ( John 19:26), and who outran Peter to the empty tomb (John 20:2-4). After the resurrection, John is seen as one of the leaders of the early church.