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Centering PrayerWhen considering prayer, many of us are drawn to fill the silence with our concerns, our needs and our requests. Again, listening is something that can assist us. As we sit with the silence and the sacred word we are opening the way for an encounter with God. The Risen Christ is among us and lives in each one of us; he is present everywhere and at all times. Centering and contemplative prayer is opening our hearts, our whole being to God who is within us and within all creation; "closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, closer than consciousness itself". (Sarah Butler) The Method of Centering Prayer (thanks to Fr.Thomas Keating) 1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. It can be a new word each time and can be chosen during a brief preparation time. Examples; Lord, Jesus, Father, Mother, Love, Peace, Calm, Trust, Shalom, Grace. 2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within. Sitting comfortably means not to encourage sleep, but comfortable enough to avoid thinking about discomfort of our bodies. Whatever sitting position is chosen, keep the back straight. We introduce the sacred word gently as laying a feather on a piece of absorbent cotton. 3. When you become aware of thoughts, return ever so gently to the sacred word. Thoughts mean feelings, images, memories, reflections and commentaries. Thoughts are normal during centering prayer, but "return ever so gently to the sacred word". 4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes. Notes: The minimum time for this prayer is twenty minutes. Two periods are recommended each day, one first thing in the morning and one in the afternoon. The end of the prayer period can be indicated by a timer as long as it doesn’t have a loud tick or a loud sound when it goes off. We may notice slight pains, itches or twitches in various parts of our bodies or generalized restlessness. These are usually due to the untying of emotional knots. We may also notice heaviness or lightness in the extremities. This is usually due to deep level of spiritual attentiveness. In any case, pay no attention, rest in the feeling briefly and return gently to the sacred word. Blessing on your prayer disciplines! ~ Pete 2650 Table Mesa Drive
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