God is within.
Let me say that again.
God is within.
My gut tells me many people think of God as above or over there.
While that is also true, God is within and that is a game changer.
God loves us so much that the Spirit has taken residence in you and I.
(It does not mean we are God.)
We get to tap into this wonderful, powerful and loving source.
I find this very exciting!
One way to tap onto this life changing Presence is with silent prayer.
Silent prayer is wordless prayer.
Have you ever prayed without words?
Centering Prayer is one method or practice.
During Centering Prayer we open to the presence and actions of God within: Contemplative Prayer.
It is like a reverse prayer.
We sit in silence.
We rest in God.
It is like when we lay in a hammock.
We let God do all the work.
God does not mind.
God prays in us.
When our mind wanders, we use our sacred word to open to the presence and actions of God within.
Then we ever so gently let go of the sacred word.
And let God silently pray in us.
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.
The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice by Cynthia Bourgeault
Be Still and Listen: Experience the Presence of God in Your Life by Amos Smith
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird
this post may contain affiliate links
Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks – This is a great way to listen to books with your cell phone while you drive, walk or relax at home. I frequently listen in my car during my commute to and from work. I’m a proud affiliate.
Silence and the Spiritual Journey by Contemplative Outreach: The purpose of our historical lifetime is to provide us with space for the upward journey of evolution into vertical time and our assimilation of the eternal values that Christ brought into the world. This journey consists of everything from great touches of God (consolations) to the Dark Nights.
Lectio Divina Heart to Heart – Listening and Living with God by Contemplative Outreach: The ancient practice of praying the Scriptures is being rediscovered and renewed in our time. Known as Lectio Divina (Divine Reading), it is one of the great treasures of the Christian tradition of prayer.
Contemplative Practices: 5 Ways of Consenting to the Divine – Learn methods practiced by Christian mystics for centuries to consent to the action and presence of God within, including Centering Prayer, The Examen, Lectio Divina, Christian Meditation, and the Jesus Prayer.
If you read devotionals, you already know how they can be a true blessing. A devotional can uplift you when you’re feeling discouraged, sad or lonely. And, if you are feeling called to write devotionals, know that you have a unique opportunity to bless others and make a genuine difference in their lives. This course takes you step by step through the process, and then guides you towards publishing, if that is your goal.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice: This course helps you to access the rich spiritual stories that lie deeply within you. Words are powerful. The words that you write can be used to:
- help you understand yourself better – and therefore divine God’s purpose in your life
- facilitate healing of spiritual wounds
- minister to others more effectively
- share your testimonies of how God has worked in your life
Drawing from the wisdom of monastic life, modern psychology and best practices in personal productivity, the Monk Manual provides a daily system that will help you find clarity, purpose, wisdom, and peace in the moments that make up your life.
