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Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is a practice which originated within the 4th Century monastic tradition of the Dessert Fathers. This prayer form has become widespread recently within the Christian community due to the works of the Cistercian monks, Fathers Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington. What differentiates this prayer from active forms of prayer is that it is a silent, receptive prayer of resting in God which emphasizes prayer as an effort to develop a personal relationship beyond conversation and into communion. Practice of this discipline adds depth of meaning to verbal, mental and affective prayer forms. It is not difficult to learn how to do centering prayer, but it is important to follow the guidelines given on this page to help you in your journey. -
Tips
- Use a timer that is not too loud and irritating.
- After you have completed the prayer, slowly move back into your everyday world.
- Contemplative Outreach is an organization founded by Thomas Keating that coducts workshops worldwide.
- The practice of gently returning to the sacred word is crucial. Take it for granted that thoughts will occur and laugh them off.
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Introduction
Centering prayer is meditation which employs the discipline of returning your awareness to a single intention, and in that way, it is similar to the mindfulness meditation tradition within the Buddhist tradition. What differentiates centering prayer from mindfulness meditation are the intentions to enter into a personal relationship with God and to enter into a state of Contemplative Prayer, or Divine Communion. In order to practice this prayer, you need a quiet place with a comfortable chair, a timer and a time where you will not be interrupted. -
Father Thomas Keating Reviews the Guidelines for Doing Centering Prayer
Father Thomas Keating discusses guidelines and helpful attitudes to take in your centering prayer journey. First, it is important not to get stuck on how to do centering prayer correctly. Don't worry about whether you are making mistakes. God does not hold your mistakes against you. He is hoping that through your love, from inspirations from a book, or from help from another persons, you will correct over time. The important thing is to just sit down and do it. Secondly, when thoughts come up, take it for granted that this will occur. Annoyance with this event is a hindrance to attain interior silence. Thirdly, it is crucial to have some kind of follow up, such as the reading of the six chapters of Keating's Book, "Open Heart, Open Mind," or you may want to attend an extended workshop on centering prayer.
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Step 1: Choosing a Sacred Word
The initial step of centering prayer is to choose a word of one to two syllables that supports your desire to be in the Lord's presence and open to divine action within. Suitable words include, but are not limited to: Jesus, Lord, God, Savior, Abba, Divine, Peace, Spirit, and Love. It is best not to choose a word that triggers thoughts. Alternatively, you can follow your breath (which is a divine gift) as is done in mindfulness meditation. Once you have chosen this sacred word, it is important to stick with it during your practice. -
Step 2: The Discipline of Doing the Practice
- Set your timer for 20 minutes.
- Sit comfortably, not rigidly, with your eyes closed.
- Relax and allow your mind and body to become at ease.
- As distracting thoughts or feeling enter your awareness, allow your sacred word to be gently present as a reminder of your sincere intention to be open to divine action within.
- After the 20 minutes have passed, quietly and slowly, recite the Lord's Prayer
Step 3: Other Things You Need To Know About Centering Prayer Practice
- Prayer sessions may last from 20-30 minutes.
- Do centering prayer twice daily in order to see progress in your spiritual journey. However, if you only practice once a day, it can help with your mental health maintenance.
- The best times for practice are in the early morning and before you go to bed.
- With practice, you will notice that the thoughts and feeling will become less distracting. This leads one to feel an interior sense of spaciousness awareness as gaps appear in your thoughts. You can become aware of a Presence that transcends thought.
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