About Centering Prayer

 

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Rev. 3:20

 

Contemplative prayer is the formal name by which “Christian meditation” is known.  It is an ancient practice dating to the earliest centuries of Christianity.  Silent prayer, or contemplation, is a way to deepen a very intimate relationship with God.  It is complementary to all other forms of prayer, such as those which are a part of church services:  psalms, reading of holy scripture and recitation of oral prayers.  It is an integral part of the prayer cycle which includes all of these forms of prayer.  Contemplative practice is part of many faiths and many religious traditions.

 

One method of Christian meditation, or contemplative prayer, is called Centering Prayer.  Popularized in many books by Father Thomas Keating, among others, Centering Prayer is a very simple method for meditation or inner prayer.  It is an ecumenical and interfaith practice.  A guideline for practice period is usually 20 minutes.  The steps are as follows: 

 

  1. Choose a sacred word.  The sacred word is a word that stands for one’s consent to the presence and action of God within, a symbol of one’s intention.  It is a way of consenting to the gifts and action of Spirit in the inner life, and to form a deeper relationship with God.  Examples of the sacred word are:  Father, Lord, Jesus, Mother, Love, Peace, Stillness, Silence.  It is a good idea to take a brief moment and ask in prayer for a word to be made known to you.  Follow your inspiration as a word which you feel comfortable using to remind yourself that during your meditation time, you are consenting to the presence of God in a deep intimate way. 

 

For most people, the sacred word is the best symbol to use as a symbol of one’s intention.  But for others there are alternatives.  The sacred gaze may also be used.  This is an inward turning to God as if to gaze upon him.  It is also possible to use a sacred breath, focusing on one’s breathing as a symbol of consent to God’s presence.  The same guidelines apply to the sacred gaze and the sacred breath as to the sacred word.

 

  1. Sitting comfortably, with back straight, and eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within. 

 

  1. When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

 

  1. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

 

For recommended reading as an introduction to centering prayer, try “Open Mind, Open Heart” by Thomas Keating. 

 

© copyright Janine Economides 2004-2007