Contemplation is distinguished as “acquired (or active) contemplation” and “infused contemplation”.  Contemplation, in general, is a further simplification of prayer from affective meditation. Infused Contemplation (or simply Contemplation) is wholly a work of God.  It is a simple, loving, protracted gaze on God and things divine, “in which the acts of the mind and of the will have become simplified under the influence of a special grace which takes hold of us and causes us to receive lights and affections which God produces in us with our consent.” (The Spiritual Life, Tanquerey)

In Contemplation, God’s activity is primary.  It is pure gift whereby God pours himself into our soul.  It is wholly supernatural.

The types and degrees of contemplative experiences are wide and varied.  They may last for five minutes or in some cases many hours.  Growth in contemplation always produces growth in virtue and inner peace.  Acquired Contemplation (or, active contemplation) is sometimes distinguished as a precursor to infused contemplation, whereby acquired contemplation is in part a product of our activity; it is a further simplification and deepening of affective meditation.

Some aspects of contemplative prayer from the Catechism:
“What is contemplative prayer? St. Teresa answers: ‘Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.’ Contemplative prayer seeks him ‘whom my soul loves.’ It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. We seek him, because to desire him is always the beginning of love, and we seek him in that pure faith which causes us to be born of him and to live in him. In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself.” (CCC 2709)

“The choice of the time and duration of the prayer arises from a determined will, revealing the secrets of the heart. One does not undertake contemplative prayer only when one has the time: one makes time for the Lord, with the firm determination not to give up, no matter what trials and dryness one may encounter. One cannot always meditate, but one can always enter into inner prayer, independently of the conditions of health, work, or emotional state. The heart is the place of this quest and encounter, in poverty ant in faith.” (CCC 2710)

“Entering into contemplative prayer is like entering into the Eucharistic liturgy: we “gather up” the heart, recollect our whole being under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, abide in the dwelling place of the Lord which we are, awaken our faith in order to enter into the presence of him who awaits us. We let our masks fall and turn our hearts back to the Lord who loves us, so as to hand ourselves over to him as an offering to be purified and transformed.” (CCC 2711)

“Contemplative prayer is the simplest expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gift, a grace; it can be accepted only in humility and poverty. Contemplative prayer is a covenant relationship established by God within our hearts. Contemplative prayer is a communion in which the Holy Trinity conforms man, the image of God, ‘to his likeness.'” (CCC 2713)