Overview

It is impossible to be separated from our God. In an instant we were filled with the Holy Spirit who dwells in and with us the rest of our life. While it is impossible to be separated from God, it is possible to not feel present with God. There are many things in our lives that make it difficult to experience the reality of God’s presence. Centering prayer is one of the most simple ways to pray. It does require us to trust in faith that the Holy Spirit is here within us. From there we begin our contemplative prayer to enjoy the presence of our God.

Centering prayer has been a monastic practice since our Desert Mothers and Fathers. It was mentioned by the early monastic and author Cassian. Thomas Merton, a Cistercian monastic from the 20th century also spoke of it as a prayer. He said centering prayer was “centered entirely on the presence of God.”

As with other contemplative prayers, a centering prayer is not focused on saying things to God. It is a practice of listening within prayerful silence to the One who dwells within us. A word or phrase is selected as your sacred word. This sacred word is used to re-center our focus and listening on God when our attention drifts. Often this is a singular word like a name for God (Jesus, Abba, Come Lord). This word could also be an attribute of God (Creator, Source, Savior, Protector, My Hope). It may likewise be one of the fruit of the spirit, or something else that draws your attention to God. Let this sacred word describe or embody your present desire to be present with God.

Guide into Centering Prayer

Once you have decided on a sacred word, let your attention turn to how your body is present in your space. Find a place you can sit comfortably, and be comfortable with your eyes closed.

As you start your prayer, close your eyes and then silently invite God to be present with you in this time and place. Then silently introduce your sacred word and allow your attention to rest on it and upon God.

There are many things that will draw your attention away. These things include your feelings, your body, noises, images, thoughts, smells, and emotions. Each distraction is normal, and expected in our every day life. Continue to gently bring your focus back to your sacred word, and back on God.

The hope of centering prayer is to enjoy the presence of God by giving our attention to Him as fully as we are able to. Spend the final few minutes in quiet and calm before opening your eyes and proceeding to what is next for you.