Centering Prayer is a contemporary expression of the Christian Contemplative Tradition as developed by the Desert Fathers and Mothers and elaborated by mystics such as John Cassian, the anonymous author of the Cloud of Unknowing, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila to mention a few.
The method also brings the prayer into dialogue with contemporary anthropology, psychology and most recently, neurology.
The Guidelines for Centering Prayer.
We recommend two twenty minute periods a day.
- Choose a sacred word* of one or two syllables as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
- 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.
- When engaged with your thoughts**, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
- At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
Examples of the sacred word – Lord, Abba, Jesus, Peace, Calm, Love.
**thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections.
Group Practice
We have found that regular practice with a group enhances and deepens our practice of Centering Prayer. Get in touch with us to organise an introductory day in your community and we will encourage and support you while you form a local group.
The Discipline of Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. We find the benefits slowly accrue in our lives – you will not always feel them immediately during your practice. Regular practice, both individually and with your group, will soon begin to manifest the fruits in your life.
Sometimes you will be plagued by distractions during Centering Prayer, other times you will be completely serene and experience the deep peace only God can give you. Keep going and trust in God.
Let us know your experience and read about how others are finding their practice.