Sometimes I Don’t Want To Practice Centering Prayer

 

“Sometimes I don’t want to practice Centering Prayer.”

That is normal. 

You are human. 

You are busy. 

Your mind is preoccupied. 

There are way too many things that need to get done today. 

The key is to do it anyway. 

It does not matter how you feel. 

This is only a thought or an emotion. 

Let go of this thought or emotion. 

It is not who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing today. 

The silence of Centering Prayer has a way of giving time back to you. 

Did you ever notice that?

You still seem to be able to attend to all your tasks. 

In fact, you seem to be more present and productive because you took the time to sit in the silence of Centering Prayer. 

Even better when you choose to sit twice per day. 

Next time you tell yourself I don’t have the time, let the silence of Centering Prayer begin and prepare you for the day. 

And when your reservoir begins to run dry and you run on fumes, take a second sit so you can reset, refresh and start again. 

You will be glad you did.

You need these special  silent times.

Go Further:

Open Mind, Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition  by Thomas Keating and Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening were the first two books I read as I began my Centering Prayer practice.

Be Still and Listen: Experience the Presence of God in Your Life by Amos Smith

Jesus the Teacher Within by Laurence Freeman

 

 

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Contemplative Light offers courses on contemplative practices (Christian Meditation, Centering Prayer, The Examen, Lectio Divina, The Jesus Prayer), the Christian mystics (ancient and current) and spiritual writing. Peruse their wonderful offerings.

Centering Prayer as a Way of Life  by Contemplative Outreach, Pamela Begeman, Mary Anne Best, Julie Saad: In this, the third offering of this year’s trilogy on Centering Prayer, we will explore how the practice of Centering Prayer evolves into a surrendered life of inner peace and equanimity despite the busy and often tumultuous circumstances of daily life in the 21st century. As the inner room begins to expand its walls beyond the twice-daily practice of Centering Prayer, the Spirit takes over our life more and more, and we begin to accept ourselves just as we are, God as God is, and all reality as it is. From this disposition of true humility, enlarged under the influence of God’s grace, we live in the Kingdom of God here and now, which is a state of consciousness ever-attentive to the presence of God in the midst of ordinary life.

Centering Prayer as Practice and Process by Contemplative Outreach, Pamela Begeman, Mary Anne Best, Julie Saad: If you are new to Centering Prayer or wishing to renew your practice, this retreat will assist you with deepening your relationship with God. We will focus on teaching and practicing the method of Centering Prayer; review its place in the Christian tradition, its conceptual background, and psychological process; and share insights into establishing Centering Prayer as a way of life.

Lean In, Lighten Up and Let Go Practices for a Deeper Commitment to the Contemplative Life by Contemplative Outreach, Mary Dwyer: This retreat encourages a life of prayer and practice, both “on the chair” and in daily life. It will support you in making a deeper commitment to your relationship with God, and strengthen your ability to live the contemplative life through dedication to prayer and practice, all within the normal routines of everyday life.

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