Have you ever felt a yearning for a deeper spiritual connection, but struggle with the constant chatter in your mind? Centering prayer, a form of Christian contemplative prayer, might be the answer you've been seeking.
This practice isn't about bombarding God with requests. Instead, it's a method of silent prayer designed to cultivate stillness and allow yourself to become aware of God's presence within you. By gently letting go of thoughts and distractions, you open yourself to a deeper communion with God.
Here's how centering prayer works:
Find a quiet space and settle into a comfortable position.
Choose a sacred word, a short phrase that embodies your intention to connect with God. Use a word of one or two syllables, such as: God, Jesus, Abba. Other possibilities include: Love, Peace, Faith, Trust, etc.
Gently close your eyes and focus on your sacred word.
Inevitably, thoughts will arise. Acknowledge them and simply return your attention to your sacred word.
Try to sit in silence for 5 minutes at first, gradually working up to 20 minutes.
With consistent effort, you'll find yourself growing more comfortable in the quiet and experiencing a deeper connection with God. So, take a deep breath, find a quiet corner, and give centering prayer a try! You might be surprised at what you discover in the stillness.
Ready to give it a try?
Here are some resources to get you started:
The Centering Prayer website offers a great overview in this brochure: [Centering Prayer Brochure]
Contemplative Outreach provides a clear and concise overview of the practice: [Centering Prayer Contemplative Outreach]