Centering prayer is a contemplative practice when we let go and trust the silence. We first need to “let go”. We “let go” of all thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. We next need to trust the silence. We don’t know what will happen when we become silent, “let go” and still our racing thoughts and emotions.
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Centering prayer can be very scary. During centering prayer we let ourselves be vulnerable. We do not know what feelings and emotions we are going to experience both during and after our sit. We need to remember that our job is to trust God. We need to let God be in charge. We need to trust that God knows what is best.
During centering prayer we must continue to “let go” and trust God. God is in the silence. God loves us beyond what we can comprehend. What will God do once we let go and trust? God will fill us with whatever God feels we need. (That is what makes it so exciting.)
We might be filled with love, peace, or mental and physical healing. We might be filled with sudden needed knowledge to accomplish our daily tasks. We might be filled with an urge to serve.
We might be challenged to make a major change in our personal and or work life. We might be nudged to try something new. We might be told to make a phone call to repair a broken relationship. We might be asked to sit and listen to someone who is hurting and simply needs a hug and a listening ear.
I believe that it is vital to incorporate silence into our daily life. Why? Because this is where the magic happens. The magic happens because when we “let go” and trust God, God can begin to work in us a wonderful work. “In Centering Prayer we go beyond thought and image, beyond the senses and the rational mind, to that center of our being where God is working a wonderful work.” [1]
Go Further:
M. Basil Pennington, Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form
M. Basil Pennington, Centered Living: The Way of Centering Prayer
Thomas Keating, Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer
[1] M. Basil Pennington, Centering Prayer: Renewing An Ancient Christian Prayer Form (Doubleday: 1980)
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One on One Coaching with Rich
Does this sound like you?
“I am bored with my life?”
“I am not doing the things that I want to do in all areas of my life:”
-career, personal, family, community.
I feel unfulfilled, like I am just going through the motions everyday.
I have dreams and goals, but I am afraid to show up and take action on them.
I don’t want years to pass and be disappointed when I look back on my life.
Integrating Centering Prayer practice with your everyday life addresses all of these thoughts.
Do you want to obtain the freedom to become your true self, the person I’m created to be?
How do I create a long lasting and sustainable centering prayer practice?
I am currently taking on clients for Centering Prayer One on One Coaching sessions.
I will work with you to setup a program designed to meet your specific needs.
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