In my Centering Prayer Questions post, I posed some centering prayer questions. Since I asked these very questions, it is only fitting that I answer them too. Last week I responded to the question: Why Do I Practice Centering Prayer?
Now for my next question. Here is my answer to: When do I center?
I recognize that each one of us has their own practice. What is your response if you asked yourself when do I practice ________?
Centering prayer is the first thing I do before I start my day. During the work week, I Simply set my alarm twenty minutes earlier. This means I am sitting with God at 5:45 in the morning. I would not have it any other way. I love it! It gets me ready for the day. It refreshes me. It fills me with God. It is God and I meeting so together we can partner and take on this day. On the weekends, it is still the first thing I do. I just do not need to set an alarm. I simply center after I awake.
My second sit will vary. At work, if the weather is not too cold or too hot, I will leave my desk any time between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. I walk to my car. (A co worker jokes with me and says, there goes Lewis walking down meditation lane.) I sit in the driver’s seat. I roll down the windows, weather permitting. I love it. No matter how busy I am at work, I stop. I make myself stop. I sit with God. After each sit, I am always amazed by how much God relaxes me. I feel full of energy to finish my work day. If I am not able to sit in my car during the work day, I will do my second sit any time between 8:00 and 9:00 later in the evening. From experience, I feel much better when I take a mid afternoon sit. As much as possible I try to make it so. On the weekends, I also sit in the mid afternoon.
If you are only sitting once, that is great. Congratulations! I highly encourage you to schedule in a second sit. Speaking from experience, I do not think you will regret it. I even know some who sit three or more times per day. This is time well invested. It is our special time with God.
Next week, I will respond to two questions: How often do I center? How long do I center?
Thanks, Rich. Your example is heartening to me. Yes, I pray on a regular basis. But in writing my daily blog for 2015, https://matterofprayerblog.wordpress.com/, you know I am striving to use Centering Prayer each day in September. Yesterday was exceptional. The word/Name of God I chose was Lamb of God (from John 1:29 – http://wp.me/p43g3i-kl ). Powerful, moving and deep.
Centering Prayer remains a challenge for me, since I am so verbal. However, I persevere! Thanks again for your encouragement and support. @chaplaineliza
I’m happy to report that I’ve found one time most weekdays that I can sit in silence. When my staff leave school for the day, I spend some time in my office practicing centering prayer. I’m only up to 12 minutes, but I’m getting there in baby steps. I have to say it’s interesting to do this in a location that most of the time is loud and bustling with teachers and kids. You might be surprised how silent a school is after everyone else leaves.
Mari – That is great! 12 minutes is super! I am glad you found this time slot. Keep at it.