Thomas Keating defines true human health as the conscious awareness of God as Abba, Father. Not having any experience of the divine when we enter the world, we develop false and inadequate ideas of God as protector, lord, judge, as may be determined by our early experiences. 

Contemplative prayer brings us to a deep knowledge of God as he really is. We experience him as Abba, the Father whose unconditional love affirms us and heals the wounds of our human condition.