Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a contemporary Christian contemplative practice that developed in the 1970s as a response to the teachings of early Christian mystics and the desire for a more direct experience of God's presence. It was popularized by Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk, and other members of the contemplative movement. Centering Prayer is part of a broader tradition of Christian meditation and draws from the wisdom of Christian mystics like John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and the anonymous author of "The Cloud of Unknowing."
The key elements and practices of Centering Prayer
Intention: Centering Prayer begins with a sincere intention to consent to God's presence and action within. Practitioners seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through silent contemplation.
Preparation: Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit with your eyes closed. Choose a sacred word or phrase (also known as a "sacred symbol") as a symbol of your intention to open yourself to God's presence.
Silent prayer: During the prayer session, practitioners silently repeat the chosen sacred word or phrase in their minds whenever they become aware of thoughts, feelings, or distractions. The sacred word serves as a gentle way to bring your focus back to God's presence whenever your mind wanders.
Letting go: The essence of Centering Prayer is letting go of thoughts, emotions, and distractions without engaging with them. The goal is to create a space of inner silence where you can be receptive to God's presence.
Duration: A typical Centering Prayer session lasts for about 20-30 minutes, but it can be shorter or longer based on personal preference.
Posture: Sit comfortably with your back straight but not rigid. You can use a chair or cushion. The goal is to be relaxed and alert.
Fruits of Centering Prayer: Practitioners of Centering Prayer often report a deepening sense of inner peace, a growing awareness of God's presence, and a greater capacity for compassion and love in their daily lives.
Community: Some people practice Centering Prayer alone, while others participate in groups or communities where they can share their experiences and receive guidance from experienced practitioners.
Centering Prayer is compatible with various Christian denominations and is sometimes referred to as a "method of prayer" rather than a distinct religious tradition. It is important to note that Centering Prayer is not about seeking mystical experiences or visions but rather about establishing a contemplative relationship with God through silence and stillness.
Practicing Centering Prayer at home
Centering Prayer can be practiced in the comfort of your own home. To start, create a quiet and distraction-free space. Sit comfortably with your back straight but not rigid, and close your eyes. Begin with a brief period of relaxation and focus on your breath.
Choose a sacred word or phrase that resonates with you and symbolizes your intention to open yourself to God's presence. Examples of sacred words include "peace," "love," or "Jesus." Silently repeat your sacred word as you settle into a state of inner stillness.
During your prayer session, thoughts, emotions, and distractions will inevitably arise. When this happens, gently return to your sacred word, using it to anchor your awareness in the present moment. The sacred word serves as a means of surrender and returning to the Divine presence whenever your mind drifts.
I’m Dr. Rodger Douglas, DMH, a South African-born homeopath now based in Osaka, Japan. With a psychology degree from Nelson Mandela University and a diploma from the Hahnemann College of Heilkunst, I specialize in holistic care for fibromyalgia. I serve clients by phone or video across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond, shipping remedies directly from Japan.