Centering prayer is an method of Meditative prayer, opening up the heart to the presence of God. The beauty of this prayer is its simplicity – it is a prayer of stillness.
Centering prayer is a way to let go of thoughts, to drop away the ego, and simply drop inward expanding into the infinite – to the Divine.
Meditation (or contemplation) is practised not only in Christianity but by other religions, serving to deepen our awareness of our true nature and of divinity – to live ever more deeply in union with the eternal presence which as Christians we call God.
Meditative prayer has been practised in Christianity for centuries – but has often been actively suppressed by the mainstream church. The tradition survived, often in women’s religious houses, and has been passed down through monastic and religious communities, through generations of devoted and disciplined contemplatives. Father Thomas Keating began to teach Centering prayer in the 1960s, making the practise of contemplative prayer accessible to all. This ancient approach burst out of the cloisters in direct response to the appeal of Eastern religions to younger people.
Centering prayer is focused around a single word.
Chose a simple word – only 1 or maybe 2 syllables, a word that sits comfortably and brings with it sense of release.
Maybe ‘rest’, ‘stillness’, ‘love’, ‘peace’, ‘Christ’.
Don’t chose something that is too aspirational, sits uncomfortably or pulls you into thought.
Once you’ve chosen a word, don’t worry about if it’s the right one; the word in itself is not important. Keep using this word as you practise Centering prayer over the next few months. Pay it little attention; it is there as a tool to recentre your busy mind, to let go into the silence of prayer.
Find a space
Centering prayer can be practised anywhere – in your house, garden, on the beach.
Try to find a quiet space, somewhere comfortable, where you feel safe and won’t be disturbed. Somewhere you do not feel self-conscious.
And spacious time – it doesn’t need to be long, but enough to settle into and out of prayer.
Maybe light a candle or some incense.
How to sit
You need to be sitting upright, but make sure you are comfortable.
Maybe on a meditation cushion with your legs crossed.
Or on a chair with your feet on the floor, and sitting fully back on the seat.
Rest your hands comfortably in your lap, or on your knees.
Relax
Take a few deep breathes – in and out.
With each breath feel a gentle release – let go of the day so far, any worries or concerns.
Notice how your body feels, and any tension points – often in the shoulders, around the eyes and jaw.
Gently relax these muscles and rest.
Set a timer
Find a timer with a gentle tone.
If you are new to Centering prayer, set it maybe for 5 minutes.
As you practise, over time this can be increased, but start slow – this is still very effective.
Settle into quiet peace
Close your eyes – or let your eyes rest gently and become unfocused.
Let your mind go quiet.
As soon as you notice a thought,
bring to mind your chosen word and then gently let it go.
It doesn’t matter how many times you have to do this,
and it may vary hugely – with some times of prayer which are gently peaceful, and others when you return to the word countless times.
When the timer chimes
Take your time to come out of prayer.
If your eyes have been closed, open them gently,
Maybe sit for a while,
When you are ready, gently re-join the day.
Am I doing it right?
Do not worry about this.
Whether you have found the prayer blissfully quiet or frequently return to your centering word –
Underneath this, it is all the same – by sitting in Centering prayer,
there is the intention to return to and to rest in the presence of God
The more you practise, the more it changes you outside of specified ‘prayer time’; you may notice that where something might previously have pulled you into huge irritation or anger it is easier to let go and be less drawn in
Should I pray alone or with others?
Centering prayer can be practised alone as well as in groups
It is different and easier to practice with others.
We regularly hold Centering prayer groups – in person and online. infobeguinage@gmail.com if you would like to take part.
Can I talk to someone about Centering prayer?
If you would like to talk to someone, please contact us by email and one of us will be very happy to help.