There is a misconception out there that Centering Prayer is a new cultural trend, similar to mindfulness. However, Centering Prayer is based on the words of Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount: “When you pray, go to your inner room …” (Mt. 6:6). It is one of the oldest prayers in the Christian tradition, practiced by the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 4th century. Centering Prayer is also inspired by writings of contributors to the Christian contemplative heritage, including Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, and Thomas Merton.
Our parish’s Centering Prayer group has been meeting on a regular basis for over 20 years. Centering Prayer is not a technique. It is not a relaxation exercise. It is a way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God. It is not limited to the “felt” presence of God but is rather a deepening of faith in God’s abiding presence. Centering Prayer involves simply resting in God, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living, compiled by S. Stephanie Iachetta, is currently our primary group resource. This work brings together three prayer practices: a brief “active prayer” followed by a longer spiritual reading and then a closing prayer. Brief prayers come from various sources, including the Bible. Spiritual readings come from Father Thomas Keating’s works. Our group starts with the brief prayer followed by 20 minutes of silence in Centering Prayer. We then read the spiritual reading aloud and discuss it as a group before closing with another brief prayer.
Here is an example of material from The Daily Reader:
“The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Num 6:24-26) Contemplative prayer is a process of interior transformation, a conversation initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to divine union. One’s way of seeing reality changes in this process. A restructuring of consciousness takes place, which empowers one to perceive, relate, and respond with increasing sensitivity to the divine presence in, through, and beyond everything that exists. (Open Heart, Open Mind by Father Keating)
If you would like to learn more about the practice of Centering Prayer, please consider joining us any Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Holy Martyrs. If this time doesn’t work for you, we would like to support new groups meeting at different times. Please contact Kim Lovett at the Parish Office (847.6890); pothe@portlanddiocese.org for more information, and to let us know when you are available to meet.