What Is Centering Prayer?

Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence …  a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to deepen that relationship.

The Guidelines

1] Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.

2] sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.

3] When engaged with your thoughts*, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

4] At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections

Resources

For more on Centering Prayer visit Contemplative Outreach

The Method of Centering Prayer, Part 1 Thomas Keating presents the basic method of the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer and its background.
Watch the Video

Books:

The Cloud of Unknowing, translation by Carmen Acevedo Butcher

Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, by Cynthia Bourgeault