List of Spiritual Disciplines
Centering Prayer
Prayer is not a request for God’s favors. True, it has been used to obtain the satisfaction of personal desires. It has even been adopted to reinforce the prejudices, justify violence, and create barriers between people and between countries. But genuine prayer is based on recognizing the Origin of all that exists, and opening ourselves to it…In prayer we acknowledge God as the supreme source from which flows all strength, all goodness, all existence, acknowledging that we have our being, life itself from God. One can then communicate with this God, worship him, and ultimately place ones very center in him.
- Piero Ferrucci
Scripture:
• Read and meditate on John 14:23; Song of Solomon 5:2; Psalm 62:1
Reflection:
• How do you express your desire for God? Is praying your desire and love for God difficult? What is it like for you to spend time with God when you are not speaking to Him? What happens when you are quiet with God?
Practice:
The first step is to find a simple word like “God”, “King”, “Love”, or “Abba”. Repeat this word only as a thought comes to mind not over and over like a mantra. It doesn’t matter what word it is or that the word might have special meaning. It may take you some time to find the word, but never use different words in one session of prayer. If you focus on the word it will become a distraction and the point is to get rid of all distractions. Spend at least 10-20 minutes in this prayer and follow the method below.
• Find a quiet spot with a chair. Sit upright and be as relaxed and comfortable as you possibly can be. If you can be in the same space every time it is better. You could have pictures of your family, a cross, icon, or visualize anything that might draw your attention towards God’s love. Keep your eyes closed unless you start to fall asleep.
• Take some time and settle. Recite the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, or another passage to begin centering your attention on God.
• Once you have settled, sit silently. Every time a thought or distraction comes to mind recite your word releasing the thought.
• The Four R’s: (Cynthia Bourgeault Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening) Resist no thought -- Retain no Thought -- React to no thought -- Return to your sacred word. --- At the end of your time (20 minutes) recite a Bible passage as you did at the beginning to re-enter into the world. Throughout the day return to your word and remind the Lord of your love for Him.
Suggested Reading
Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault
The Cloud of Unknowing by unknown English monk
Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton
Merton’s Palace of Nowhere by James Finley
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1 comment:
Centering prayer has been a very formative practice for me over the years. I always struggled with prayer beyond just praying for others or asking for favors from God. It's often hard to just go to God for no other reason than he's just worth going to. I would often deem prayer un-fruitful if I didn't "feel" anything. Centering prayer has helped me learn to leave my agenda for God "at the door." I usually don't experience anything in the midst of the prayer but the fruit appears for me through out the day. It has been a great way for me to start my day and push back the other "voices" that call for my attention and centers me in God. I also find myself using my simple word to draw me back to God during the day while I'm working or having a conversation with another. It reminds me that God is with me and I'm with Him.
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