Centering Prayer

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CENTERING PRAYER IS NOT SOMETHING NEW. Nor is it a New Age thing. It is an ancient form of prayer that joined meditation on a word fo Scripture with prayer. It provided a simple way to center one’s like in God’s presence. In the 1960s and 1970s three Cistercian monks, Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington and William Meninger, sought to revive this ancient form of meditative prayer. Centering prayer is distinctively different from the practices of Eastern meditation that attempt to clear the mind of all thoughts. Centering prayer allows for the recognition of thoughts and gently releases them into the hands of God. This form of prayer relies on the awareness that the Holy Spirit resides in the one who prays, connecting them heart-to-heart with God.

This prayer may seem mysterious to some because it depends so little on words. We do not give God information about all our needs, projects, ideas, programs, plans and agendas. We don’t suggest things we would like him to do. We sit in the presence of God and give him our undivided love and attention. Generally, the words that are spoken in centering prayer are the prayer words the continually bring our drifting attention back to God. The prayer word is a simple word like Jesus, love, peace, Father, or a phrase from Scripture that encapsulates the intent of the heart to be with God. With this word we linger with God and open ourselves to his presence.

Because centering prayer is a way of being with Jesus that doesn’t;t cover prayer concerns, some people wonder if it counts as real prayer. Furthermore, if it doesn’t make you feel or experience something particular, what does it do…. Experiences are not the point. In centering prayer the goal is to so dwell in Christ that the fruit of this dwelling begins to show up in your life. Centering praying may “do” nothing at the moment…. But later… you begin to notice that something had shifted. Your quiet center in Christ holds. Centering prayer holds that being with Jesus brings transformation. The words of Isaac of Stella capture the heart of centering prayer: “May the Son of God who is already formed in you, grow in you, so that for you He will become immeasurable, and that in you He will become laughter, exultation, the fullness of joy which no one can take from you.”

A SHORT METHOD FOR CENTERING PRAYER:

  1. Set aside a minimum of 15 minutes (increase the time as you can). Set a timer if that helps you be less concerned about when to stop.
  2. Settle into a comfortable position
  3. Intentionally place yourself in the presence of God, in the center of his love
  4. Chose a simple word, phrase or verse from Scripture that expresses you desire for God (E.g, love, peace, grace, Jesus, great Shepherd). Let this word guard your attention.
  5. Take time to become quiet. It is not unusual for the first 5 minutes to be filled with many noisy thoughts. Don;’t worry about them or pay attention to them. Let them go. Gently return your attention to the center of God’s presence and love by repeating your word. When your thoughts wander let them drop to the bottom of your mind. Don’t go after them. Gently return your attention to the center of God’s presence and love by repeating your word. Let the word draw your attention back to Jesus. Be with Jesus. Be still.
  6. Rest in the center of God’s love. Trust that the Holy Spirit who abides in the depths of your spirit to connect you with God.
  7. Take several minutes to come out of prayer. Don’t hurry. Breathe in the presence of Christ. Offer yourself to God for the tasks awaiting you (e.g., “I am yours,” or “Remain in me”).

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES:

  1. Sacred word. Choose a prayer word as the symbol of your desire to let Jesus’ action and presence form in you. The word could reflect a deep desire of your heart (e.g., love, grace, peace), or the world might be a name of title of God (e.g., Jesus, great Shepherd, Counsleor, Healer of my soul, Defender). Become still and offer yourself and your love to God. Let this word or phrase draw you into the presence of Christ. When you are distracted, return gently to your word and to the Lord. At the end of the prayer, remain still for several minutes. Throughout your day return to your word and remind the Lord of your love for him.
  2. Sit comfortably in a position that allows you to stay and attentive. Read a short passage of Scripture slowly and out loud. Choose a word form the text as you centering word. Then follow the directions given in exercise one. Let the word lead you into the presence of Jesus. When thoughts distract you, return to Christ by repeating your word. Simply be with Jesus. Offer yourself to him. Wait in his presence.
  3. Set aside 20 minutes every day for six days. Follow the steps in “A Short Method for Centering Prayer.” Practice centering prayer each day. After a week reflect on your experience. Do you sense any internal shifts? In the weeks ahead slowly stretch your times with God.