As we embark on this contemplative journey of Centering Prayer, we open ourselves to an intimate relationship with the Divine Presence. This is not merely an exercise of the mind, but a consent of our entire being to rest in God. We begin by carefully choosing a sacred word – a word imbued with meaning by our very intention to use it as an expression of our openness to God’s action within us.
When we settle into the prayer period, gently reintroducing this word grounds us in our original intention. We know that thoughts will inevitably arise, like boats floating along the stream of consciousness. Yet we do not need to fixate on them or treat them as distractions. With a light touch, we simply return to the sacred word, allowing the thoughts to pass without resistance or effort. Our aim is to move beyond this surface level of activity.
Slowly, by sustaining this accepting presence, we navigate to a deeper river of spiritual awareness flowing within. The mind stills, and we rest in the intuitive expansiveness of this domain. Yet even here, there are greater depths to explore – the profoundly intimate depths of our true self, united with the source of our being. This is the ultimate gift that Centering Prayer unveils: the divine indwelling, where we participate in God’s very life and presence.
It is a transformation of consciousness, birthing us into a new way of being. With gentleness and openness as our guides, we are drawn into this liberating union, this eternal embrace. In the silence that follows the prayer, we linger in awestruck wonder at the sacred ground we have trodden. Humbly, we prepare to journey yet deeper into the heart of Love’s infinite mystery.
Summary
Centering Prayer is a method for developing an intimate relationship with God by resting in the divine presence beyond thoughts and concepts. It begins by choosing a sacred word that symbolizes one’s intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. Sitting comfortably with eyes closed, the sacred word is gently introduced to re-establish this intention of openness to God. When inevitable thoughts arise, one ever so gently returns to the sacred word without resistance or effort, as thoughts themselves are not distractions unless one dwells on them. The goal is to move from the ordinary level of consciousness dominated by thoughts and emotions, through the spiritual level of intuitive awareness, arriving ultimately at the true self in union with God’s divine presence. Throughout, one maintains a friendly, effortless attitude towards passing thoughts rather than viewing them as distractions to be resisted. After the prayer period, a couple minutes of silence are observed. The sacred word, gentle returns, and attitude of openness facilitate this deepening journey into God’s presence.
Key Points
1. Centering Prayer is a method for developing a relationship with God and resting in God’s presence beyond thoughts and concepts.
2. Choose a sacred word to symbolize your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within you. The meaning you give the word is more important than the word itself.
3. Sit comfortably with eyes closed and gently introduce the sacred word to re-establish your intention to be open to God.
4. When engaged with thoughts, ever so gently return to the sacred word without resistance or effort. Thoughts themselves are not distractions if you don’t dwell on them.
5. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence for a couple of minutes.
6. The goal is to move from the ordinary level of consciousness dominated by thoughts and feelings, to the spiritual level of intuitive awareness, and ultimately to the true self in union with God’s divine presence.
7. Have a friendly, effortless attitude towards thoughts during the prayer rather than viewing them as distractions to be resisted.