What does Scripture have to say about silent prayer such as Centering Prayer?
Let me share some verses that might help.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to God, who is unseen. Then God, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
-Matthew 6:6
Jesus often withdrew to solitary places and prayed.
-Luke 5:16
Be still and know that I am God.
-Psalm 46:10
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
-Mark 1:35
Centering Prayer is wordless prayer.
It is sometimes nice to sit silent with God.
I think of it as a reverse prayer.
God prays in me.
It does not replace other forms of prayer.
It complements them.
Try it for yourself.
And see how God transforms you.
P.S. Need some help with your practice? Contact me about my coaching. I can help you.
Go Further:
Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating
Invitation to Love 20th Anniversary Edition: The Way of Christian Contemplation by Thomas Keating
The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice by Cynthia Bourgeault
Centering Prayers: A One-Year Daily Companion for Going Deeper into the Love of God by Peter Traben Haas
this post may contain affiliate links
Enjoy my guest post on the Ordinary Mystic over at Patheos.
Check out my newest short video: What is Centering Prayer?
Check out my New Books in 2019 section.
Wisdom for Living: The Parables of Jesus by Thomas Keating, Contemplative Outreach: When rightly understood, the parables help us to see how extraordinary a wisdom teacher Jesus really was, and how revolutionary, in the best sense of the word, was the content of what he taught and to which he bore witness by his life and death.
Thomas Berry: Prophet and Mystic of the Earth by Kathleen Deignan, Kevin Cawley: In this exclusive e-course developed for Spirituality & Practice, Kathleen and Kevin will draw out the contemplative depth and call to practice in Berry’s works. They will focus on foundational themes from his life — like Storyteller of the Universe, Mystic of the Meadow, and Master of Creation Spirituality — drawn from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community, published by Orbis in 2014.
Thomas Merton’s Abiding Legacy by Kathleen Deignan: In this exclusive e-course developed for Spirituality & Practice, Kathleen draws from the rich diversity of Merton’s legacy. The course covers such themes as: Awakening to Living Presence: Fostering the Contemplative Mind, Learning to Live in The Presence: Cultivating the Contemplative Heart, A Vow of Conversation: Engaging Contemplative Practice, Being a Gardener of Paradise: The Flowering of Contemplative Vocation.
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.
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.
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.
