"Contemplation is the mental activity involved with observance of thoughts and feelings aimed at a particular subject, Prayer is the act or practice of communication which can come from contemplation; Meditation is beyond thoughts and feelings, beyond communication - it is the knowing that comes through the stillness.” KC Hicks
There are enormous benefits to contemplation, prayer and meditation - especially when they are used in conjunction. Contemplation is to view or consider with continued attention. Prayer are those petitions that come from within you and intentional addressing of thoughts and feelings that have arisen as a result of your desires to communicate with the God of your understanding. Meditation is the intentional stilling of the mind and body, a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind whereby the stream of thoughts are eliminated. The stillness is a knowing and being that goes beyond all thoughts and actions, beyond words or form, it is a complete union of body, mind and spirit.
In our physical bodies there are different energetic levels. Our brain is an electrochemical organ composed of 5 energetic levels: gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta - ranging from highest frequency to lowest respectively. These levels are the electrical charges that acting in conjunction with one another enable us to function at various levels of sensory input and output. When we are sleeping our delta waves are engaged. For simplicities sake these are the basics on what brain wave are activated in the processes of contemplation, prayer and meditation respectively: generally alpha to beta (alert with logical thought - to moments of inspiration), primarily high beta (speaking and reflecting), very deep states of meditation are low theta (spiritual experiences).
What does it matter what brain wave frequencies are engaged? In meditation your brain begins to synchronize the left and right hemispheres. This synchronicity makes for better brain power! So during contemplation, prayer and meditation you are logical, inspired and having a spiritual experience while increasing brain power! All by simply being still!
