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In my Centering Prayer Questions post, I posed some centering prayer questions. Since I asked these very questions, it is only fit that I answer them too.
I will answer each question in its own post. This means I have 11 posts to write. I look forward to the next 11 weeks!
I recognize that each one of us has their own practice. I would love to hear your response if you asked yourself why do I practice ________.
Why do I center?
I center because I love God.
I center to forget me.
I center to let go of my worries, anxieties, fears, things that are bothering me.
When I center, I sit with God. I do not think words need to be said.
When I center it is like when I sit with a good friend. It is like when I sit with someone I love. We just like to be with each other.
I sit with God to love God and be loved by God.
I believe God prays in me in ways that I do not know but will be revealed during my non centering life.
I sit to let God act in me.
I sit to put on the Mind of Christ (The Nondual Mind)
I sit to loosen my mind and see with new eyes.
I sit to open to God, the Great Mystery!
I sit to be refreshed.
I sit because I need balance between my inner and outer worlds.
I sit because my outer world is only as good as my inner world.
I sit because it teaches me the great four loves : love of God, love of neighbor, love of myself, love of my enemies.
I sit because it slows me down. I learn to make better decisions. Sometimes silence is the best action.
Learn more about centering prayer . Here are some additional resources.
Great responses to your question! I look forward to the next 11 weeks.
Also, I have been wondering whether you might suggest a possible guide book for me. I’ve been focusing each month on a specific prayer practice or guidebook in my daily blog, at matterofprayer.net. (This month, in August, I’m focusing on the Book of Common Prayer, as seen at the website http://www.dailyoffice.org ) Next month, in September, I would like to concentrate on Centering Prayer. Let me know what you think.
There were two centering prayer books that I have read. I have read each at least three times. I like them both. David Frenette, The Path of Centering Prayer and Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. You could also go to the following sites: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org, http://www.incarnationalcontemplation.com
Good luck! I look forward to reading your posts!