Centering Prayer: An Exploration of Contemplative Practice
Centering Prayer is a contemplative practice rooted in the Christian tradition that emphasizes interior silence and a direct experience of the divine presence. Developed in the mid-20th century, Centering Prayer offers a modern approach to ancient contemplative practices, making it accessible to contemporary spiritual seekers. This comprehensive blog will explore what Centering Prayer is, why it is important, and how to engage in it. We will also highlight major contributors to the practice and provide references for further reading.
What is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer is a form of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. It is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by quieting our mind and opening our heart to God's presence.
Key Elements of Centering Prayer:
1. Sacred Word: A single word chosen by the practitioner, used to symbolize their intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
2. Silence: Practitioners sit in silence, allowing thoughts to come and go without attachment, gently returning to the sacred word whenever they become aware of their thoughts.
3. Duration: The prayer period typically lasts for 20 to 30 minutes, often practiced twice a day.
Historical Background:
Centering Prayer draws from the contemplative prayer tradition of early Christian mystics, such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, and the teachings found in texts like The Cloud of Unknowing, a 14th-century work that emphasizes the importance of interior silence and the unknowability of God.
Why Centering Prayer is Important
Centering Prayer is significant for several reasons:
1. Deepening Spiritual Relationship: It fosters a more intimate relationship with God by focusing on interior silence and receptivity. This practice allows individuals to experience God's presence directly, beyond words and thoughts.
2. Inner Transformation: Centering Prayer promotes personal transformation by helping practitioners detach from their habitual thought patterns and open themselves to the healing and transformative action of God within them.
3. Emotional and Psychological Benefits: The practice can lead to emotional and psychological healing, providing relief from stress, anxiety, and other emotional disturbances. It cultivates a sense of inner peace and well-being.
4. Integration of Spirituality into Daily Life: Regular practice of Centering Prayer helps integrate one's spiritual life with daily activities, fostering a sense of connectedness and alignment between one's inner spiritual journey and outward actions.
5. Community and Support: Engaging in Centering Prayer often leads to participation in contemplative communities, which provide support, encouragement, and shared experiences, enriching the individual and collective spiritual journey.
How to Engage in Centering Prayer
Engaging in Centering Prayer involves several key steps:
1. Choosing a Sacred Word: Select a word or phrase that symbolizes your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. Common sacred words include "God," "Jesus," "Peace," or "Love." The word should be simple and resonate personally.
2. Finding a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit undisturbed for the duration of your prayer time. This could be a designated prayer space in your home, a church, or any place where you feel at ease.
3. Sitting Comfortably and Closing Your Eyes: Sit in a comfortable but alert posture. Close your eyes to help settle into the practice and begin to silently introduce your sacred word.
4. Introducing the Sacred Word: Gently introduce your sacred word, silently and interiorly. The word is not to be repeated continuously but is a reminder of your intention to consent to God's presence. When thoughts arise, which they inevitably will, simply return ever so gently to your sacred word.
5. Letting Go of Thoughts: When you become aware of thoughts, sensations, or feelings, simply let them go without judgment and gently return to the sacred word. The process of letting go and returning to the sacred word is central to the practice.
6. Ending the Prayer Period: After 20 to 30 minutes, gently transition out of the prayer period. You might do this by slowly opening your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Some practitioners find it helpful to conclude with a short prayer or reading.
7. Consistency and Commitment: Consistency is key. Aim to practice Centering Prayer daily, ideally in the morning and evening, to cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your life.
Major Contributors to Centering Prayer
Several key figures have been instrumental in developing and promoting Centering Prayer:
1. Father Thomas Keating: A Trappist monk, Father Keating is one of the primary architects of the modern Centering Prayer movement. His works, such as Open Mind, Open Heart, have been foundational texts for practitioners. He emphasized the importance of consent to God's presence and the transformative power of contemplative prayer.
2. Father Basil Pennington: Another Trappist monk, Father Pennington contributed significantly to the spread of Centering Prayer through his teachings and writings, including Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form. He worked closely with Father Keating and Father Meninger to formalize and teach the practice.
3. Father William Meninger: A Trappist monk who rediscovered the medieval text The Cloud of Unknowing, which greatly influenced the development of Centering Prayer. His teachings on contemplative prayer have been instrumental in shaping the practice.
4. Cynthia Bourgeault: An Episcopal priest and modern contemplative, Cynthia Bourgeault has written extensively on Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices. Her books, such as Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, provide practical guidance and insights into the practice.
5. David Frenette: A student of Thomas Keating, Frenette has written on the practice and its deeper spiritual implications. His book The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God is a valuable resource for practitioners seeking to deepen their practice.
Practical Tips for Engaging in Centering Prayer
1. Start Small: If you are new to Centering Prayer, start with shorter periods of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
2. Set a Regular Time: Establish a regular time each day for your prayer practice. Consistency helps to build the habit and deepen the experience.
3. Create a Sacred Space: Designate a specific place for your practice. This could be a quiet corner in your home with a comfortable chair, a candle, or other items that help create a peaceful environment.
4. Use a Timer: Using a timer can help you keep track of your prayer period without the need to check the clock. There are many apps and timers specifically designed for meditation and prayer.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself: It’s natural for the mind to wander. When you notice this happening, gently return to your sacred word without judgment. The practice is about intention and consent, not perfection.
6. Join a Group: Consider joining a Centering Prayer group or community. Practicing with others can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of shared experience.
7. Read and Reflect: Supplement your practice with reading and reflection on contemplative texts. Books by Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, Cynthia Bourgeault, and others can provide valuable insights and deepen your understanding.
Conclusion
Centering Prayer is a profound and transformative spiritual practice that offers a pathway to deeper communion with God and inner healing. Its emphasis on interior silence, consent to divine presence, and gentle return to a sacred word make it accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners. By exploring the practice of Centering Prayer and engaging in it regularly, individuals can experience greater spiritual growth, emotional healing, and mental clarity.
Through the teachings of major contributors like Father Thomas Keating, Father Basil Pennington, Father William Meninger, Cynthia Bourgeault, and David Frenette, Centering Prayer has become a widely respected and practiced form of contemplative prayer. These leaders have provided valuable resources and guidance, helping to make this ancient practice accessible to contemporary spiritual seekers.
As you embark on your journey with Centering Prayer, remember that the most important aspect of the practice is your intention to consent to God's presence and action within. Through this simple yet profound practice, you can open yourself to the transformative power of divine love and experience a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
References
- Keating, T. (2006). Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel. Continuum.
- Pennington, M. B. (1980). Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form. Image Books.
- Meninger, W. A. (1974). The Loving Search for God: Contemplative Prayer and the Cloud of Unknowing. Continuum.
- Bourgeault, C. (2004). Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. Cowley Publications.
- Frenette, D. (2012). The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God. Sounds True.
- Freeman, L. (2007). Jesus the Teacher Within. Continuum.
- Rohr, R. (2009). The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. Crossroad Publishing Company.
Through the teachings of these major contributors and the practice of Centering Prayer, countless individuals have discovered a deeper connection with the divine and a more centered, peaceful way of living. Centering Prayer offers a timeless and powerful way to engage with the divine presence, fostering a profound sense of peace, healing, and spiritual growth.