What is Centering Prayer

• Centering Prayer is a method of prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer.
• The method of Centering Prayer consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within.
• Centering Prayer facilitates a movement from more active modes of prayer; verbal, discursive or affective prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God.
• It is meant to enrich and complement other forms of prayer, not exclude or replace them.
• This method of prayer is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.

"The root of all prayer is silence. Contemplative prayer is an experience of God’s presence as the ground in which our being is rooted, the Source from whom our life emerges at every moment. Through grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, closer than consciousness itself.”   “Open Mind Open Heart”

Centering Prayer is scripture based. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said, “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret.  And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” Mt 6:6 

How Do I Begin The Method Today?
Here is a brief description of the four guidelines to help you enter into the method of centering prayer: If you think this prayer is for you, we find it helps to attend a Centering Prayer Introductory Program and join a prayer group in your area.

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
   1. The sacred word expresses our intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
   2. The sacred word is chosen during a brief period of prayer asking the Holy Spirit to inspire us with one that is especially suitable for us.
      1. Examples: God, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother, Mary, Amen
      2. Other possibilities: Love, Listen, Peace, Mercy, Let Go, Silence, Stillness, Faith, Trust
   3. Instead of a sacred word, a simple inward glance toward the Divine Presence or noticing one’s breath may be more suitable for some persons. The same guidelines apply to these symbols as to the sacred word.
   4. The sacred word is sacred not because of its inherent meaning, but because of the meaning we give it as the expression of our intention and consent.
   5. Having chosen a sacred word, we do not change it during the prayer period because that would be to start thinking again.
      
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
   1. “Sitting comfortably” means relatively comfortably so as not to encourage sleep during the time of prayer.
   2. Whatever sitting position we choose, we keep the back straight.
   3. We close our eyes as a symbol of letting go of what is going on around and within us.
   4. We introduce the sacred word inwardly as gently as laying a feather on a piece of absorbent cotton.
   5. Should we fall asleep upon awakening we continue the prayer.
      
3. When engaged with your thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
   1. "Thoughts” is an umbrella term for every perception, including body sensations, sense perceptions, feelings, images, memories, plans, reflections, concepts, commentaries, and spiritual experiences.
   2. Thoughts are an inevitable, integral and normal part of Centering Prayer.
   3. By “returning ever-so-gently to the sacred word” a minimum of effort is indicated. This is the only activity we initiate during the time of Centering Prayer.
   4. During the course of Centering Prayer, the sacred word may become vague or disappear.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
   1. The additional two minutes enables us to bring the atmosphere of silence into everyday life.
   2. If this prayer is done in a group, the leader may slowly recite a prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer, while the others listen.

“Centering Prayer Pamphlet” 

What can I expect when I join a Centering Prayer Group?

• The weekly centering prayer group gives encouragement and support for your daily practice.
• These small groups consist of people gathered together for the sole purpose of sharing the practice of centering prayer.
• The group meetings are 90 minutes in length, beginning with a 20 minute centering prayer period, followed by a teaching by Fr. Thomas Keating and ending with group discussion.

What is a Centering Prayer Introductory Program? 

• The primary purpose at Contemplative Outreach of San Diego is to teach the method of centering prayer and its immediate conceptual background.
• The goal of the Introductory Program is three fold. 1) An Introductory Workshop, 2) Six follow-up sessions, and 3) Formation of a new Centering Prayer group. The program offers two experiences of Centering Prayer and four conferences facilitated by nationally trained presenters.
• Included in the overall program are six follow-up sessions in which video presentations by Fr. Keating help to deepen ones understanding of the practice of centering prayer. Led by trained facilitators, the six week follow up-sessions are designed to support you in establishing a centering prayer practice. You will also be invited to join a Centering Prayer Group.
• If interested, please contact the COSD coordinator, Kathy Di Fede at or by phone: 619-749-4141.