The art of contemplation often begins with the practice of meditation such as thinking about some aspect of the life of Christ, or a verse of scripture read in the morning readings.
“The self, concentrated upon the image or idea, dwelling upon it more than thinking about it—as one may gaze upon a picture that one loves—falls gradually and insensibly into the condition of reverie . . . and becomes gathered together.” Mysticism, Evelyn Underhill, Page 213.
You might find a prayer journal helpful, where you can write each day, noting a special verse of scripture that you read that morning, or a paragraph from your spiritual reading book that grabs your attention. Then when you come to your time of contemplation you can take these words and dwell on them in your heart and spirit, listening to what your soul tells you about them, until such time as you become lost in God’s silent love.