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Centering Prayer
is a method designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative
Prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It is an
attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated
form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of
prayer; rather, it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them.
It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to
foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement
beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him.
Centering Prayer
Guidelines
Theological Background
Listening to the Word of God in Scripture
Wisdom Saying of Jesus
Ways to Deepen our Relationship With God
What Centering Prayer Is and Is Not
Theological Background
The source of Centering Prayer, as in
all methods leading to Contemplative Prayer, is the indwelling
Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The focus of Centering
Prayer is the deepening of our relationship
with the living Christ.
It tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together
in mutual friendship and love. |
Contemplative Prayer
...
We
may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But
this is only one expression. In the Christian tradition
Contemplative Prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God.
It
is the opening of mind and heart—our whole being—to God, the
Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions.
Through grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is
within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than
choosing—closer than consciousness itself. |
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Listening to the Word of God in Scripture
Listening to the word of God in
Scripture (Lectio Divina) is a traditional way of cultivating
friendship with Christ. It is a way of listening to the texts of
Scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and He were
suggesting the topics of conversation. The daily encounter with
Christ and reflection on His word leads beyond mere acquaintanceship
to an attitude of friendship, trust, and love. Conversation
simplifies and gives way to communing. Gregory the Great (6th
century) in summarizing the Christian contemplative tradition
expressed it as “resting in God.” This was the classical meaning of
Contemplative Prayer in the Christian tradition for the first
sixteen centuries.
Wisdom Saying of Jesus
Centering Prayer is based on the
wisdom saying of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:
“…But
when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to
your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret,
will repay you.” (Mt 6:6)
It is also
inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian
contemplative heritage, including John Cassian, the anonymous author
of The Cloud of Unknowing, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila,
John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton.
Ways to Deepen Our Relationship With God
Practice two 20-30 minute periods of
Centering Prayer daily
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Listen to the Word of God in Scripture and study Open Mind, Open
Heart.
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Select one or two of the specific practices for everyday life as
suggested in Open Mind, Open Heart, Chapt. 12.
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Join a weekly Centering Prayer group. It encourages members of
the group to persevere in their individual practice. It
provides an opportunity for further input on a regular basis
through tapes, readings and discussion. It offers an
opportunity to support and share the spiritual journey.
What Centering Prayer Is Not
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It is not a technique but a way
of cultivating a relationship with God.
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It is not a relaxation exercise
but it may be refreshing.
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It is not a form of self-hypnosis
but a way to quiet the mind while maintaining its alertness.
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It is not a charismatic gift but
a path of transformation.
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It is not a para-psychological
experience but an exercise of faith, hope and selfless love.
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It is not limited to the “felt”
presence of God but is rather a deepening of faith in God’s
abiding presence.
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It is not reflective or
spontaneous prayer, but simply resting in God.
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