Adapted from M. Basil Pennington in Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form

A father is delighted when his little one, leaving off her toys and friends, runs to him and climbs into his  arms. As he holds his little one close to him, he doesn’t care whether his child is looking around, her attention flitting from one thing to another, or just settling down to sleep. Essentially she is choosing to be with her father, confident of his love, his care, and the security that is hers in those arms. 

Contemplative prayer is much like that. We settle down in our Father's arms, in his loving hands. Our mind, our thoughts, our imagination may flit about here and there; we might even fall asleep; but essentially we are choosing for this time to remain intimately with our Father, giving ourselves to him, receiving his love and care, letting him enjoy us as he will. It is very simple prayer. It is very childlike prayer. It is prayer that opens us out to all the delights of the kingdom.