The Youth Ministry & Spirituality Project

Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a particular method of contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is the full opening of mind and heart, soul and body - our whole being - to the Spirit of God, the ultimate mystery, utterly beyond thoughts, words, images, and emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith, hope, and love is dwelling within and around us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, closer than consciousness itself. We train our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to attend to God's "inner voice of love" calling out to us and re-minding us of our original name as Beloved, in whom the Creator takes delight.

The Method of Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is one of many methods designed to facilitate the experience of contemplative prayer. It is an attempt to present the ancient teaching of mystical prayer (found in both Eastern and Western Christianity) in an updated form to be used as a vital part of the common Christian prayer tradition. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. During the time of prayer, we open ourselves fully to the power of God's presence and unconditional love working within us. As we engage in this prayer one of the "fruits" we may notice is a growing attentiveness to God's presence in our daily life.

The Guidelines

Choose a sacred word or phrase as the symbol of your intention to be open to God's presence and action within you (examples might be "Jesus," "Love," "Holy Spirit.") Once you choose a word or phrase do not change it, but consistently use the same word throughout the prayer.
Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly into the presence of God by taking a few deep breaths and letting go of all thoughts and distractions. Begin silently to repeat your sacred word or phrase as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within your heart. Continue this prayer for twenty minutes. Do this once a day, preferably in the morning.
When you become aware of thoughts or distractions during the prayer, return ever-so-gently to repeating the sacred word or phrase.
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes and close your time with God by reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Further Reading
Centering Prayer, Basil Pennington.
Open Mind, Open Heart, Thomas Keating
Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry, edited by Gustave Reininger