Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 503 – Part VI.

YOUCAT Question n. 503 - Part VI. What is interior or “contemplative” prayer?

(Youcat answer repeated) Contemplative prayer is love, silence, listening, and being in the presence of God.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2719) Contemplative prayer is a communion of love bearing Life for the multitude, to the extent that it consents to abide in the night of faith. The Paschal night of the Resurrection passes through the night of the agony and the tomb - the three intense moments of the Hour of Jesus which his Spirit (and not "the flesh [which] is weak") brings to life in prayer. We must be willing to "keep watch with (him) one hour" (Cf. Mt 26:40).  

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) For interior prayer one needs time, resolve, and above all a pure heart. It is the humble, poor devotion of a creature that drops all masks, believes in love, and seeks God from the heart. Interior prayer is often called the prayer of the heart and contemplation.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2724) Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery.  

 
(The next question is: What can a Christian accomplish through meditation?)