Centering and Contemplative Prayer
Who would have known that prayer could be so simple yet so difficult. What can be simpler than just to be quiet, and listen to God? Add to the equation our busy lives and a world that pulls us in so many directions at the same time. Where can I find the time? What do I need to do? Jesus tells us how to pray in Matthew 6:6 “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (NRSV) He instructs us to come to him wholly, without distraction. God wants our full attention, not just a few words said when we go to bed or eat a meal. Not just asking for our needs, or intercession when times get tough—God wants a relationship, to connect to God and God to us. “Abide in me as I abide in you.” John 15:4 (NRSV)
I have been reading the book, “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. Comer says our first goal is to “Be with Jesus”. He talks first about how the Holy Spirit allows us to abide in God and God in us. Comer talks about finding our “secret place” where we can spend time with him away from the world. Once there we access the presence of Christ through contemplative prayer. I can’t help not to think of Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God!” (NRSV)
Let us first look at the differences between Meditative, Contemplative, and Centering Prayer.
Meditative Prayer involves reflecting on things we are concerned with or interested in. For example, we may have questions about a bible verse or even a problem we are currently going through. I liken this to asking God, “What are your thoughts?”
Contemplative Prayer is simply resting in God. We quiet ourselves and listen to his love for us. Picture a big comfy chair where you are sitting in God’s lap simply enjoying his love.
Centering Prayer is being silent and receptive. It is a specific practice with both instructions and actions. We are consenting or surrendering to allow God to show us his heart. Invision Centering Prayer as willfully waiting for God. We start with centering on God and with discipline and practice, we can tackle Contemplative and Meditative Prayer.
How do we learn Centering Prayer? I was introduced to Centering Prayer at a seminar but there are many ways to learn. One of the easiest is to download the Centering Prayer app from Contemplative Outreach. There are explanations, instructions, a timer, plus a calendar of events should you wish to attend a seminar. Second, you can read the book. I recommend “Open Mind, Open Heart” by Father Thomas Keating.
Centering Prayer has four steps:
- Select a sacred word. This word is said to express your intention to be with God. When your mind wanders, don’t worry, it will. Just say your sacred word and resume.
- Find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and say your sacred word to consent to God’s presence.
- When your mind strays, say your sacred word and return to quiet.
- As your appointed time comes to a close, keep your eyes closed for a few minutes before you end.
As in all spiritual disciplines, you need to commit time to see growth. Twenty minutes a day was recommended at the seminar I attended. My wife and I also spent a weekend retreat focused on Centering Prayer. I miss it when I don’t spend enough time being silent with God.
A tip for my writer friends- when I’m stuck and unable to find the words, I find that God will sometimes whisper to me to give me an idea during Centering Prayer.