What Does It Mean to Consent to God in Centering Prayer?
When we practice centering prayer, we give God permission to work within us—a profound act of trust and surrender. I like to think of it as a reverse prayer—instead of speaking to God, we allow God to pray in us.
But how do we do this? By removing the barriers that block grace.
I think of grace as my pure connection to God. It is connecting to God beyond words and thoughts. It is like two lovers or friends who like to be with each other. No words are required.
My wife and I can quietly sit together and enjoy each other’s company. We can do the same with God. We can quietly sit with God. God loves us and is delighted to sit with us!
When it is just God and I in my silent sit, I give God the best chance to pray in me. The barriers between God and I are the thoughts that come between God and I. I let go of these barriers which are our thoughts or monkey mind I discuss below by using a sacred word.
We use a sacred word, image, breath, or gaze to gently return to God whenever our thoughts pull us away. Whether you’re a visual, auditory, or physical person, choose what resonates with you.
And most importantly—don’t judge your thoughts. Let them pass. We often tell ourselves limiting beliefs:
🚫 I’m too young to do this.
🚫 I’m too old to try that.
🚫 I’m not experienced enough.
🚫 I need more confidence.
These thoughts are not who we are—and centering prayer helps us let them go.
Thomas Keating called this practice “Divine Therapy.” As we sit in silence, we release:
✨ Repressed emotions we didn’t even know we carried
✨ Stress and tension in our body
✨ Fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs
Over time, we begin to notice the fruits of prayer in our daily life:
💡 Greater wisdom and clarity
💡 Confidence to step out of our comfort zone
💡 A deep sense of peace and presence
💡 The ability to let go of what no longer serves us
Keating said, “Contemplative prayer is the world in which God can do anything… It is to be open to the Infinite and hence, infinite possibilities.”
For me, centering prayer has shaped my coaching, writing, teaching, and even family decisions. I look forward to where God takes me next.
🙏 Are you ready to deepen your spiritual journey? Let’s explore this together. I offer one-on-one coaching to help you integrate centering prayer into your life and break through limiting beliefs.
📩 Message me to take the first step. Your transformation starts now!
If you haven’t read my book Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer yet, I invite you to explore it! This book will help you quiet the noise, deepen your connection with God, and reconnect with your true self through the transformative practice of centering prayer. Check it out here.
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