Centering Prayer is a contemplative prayer practice that involves quieting the mind and focusing on God’s presence. It is designed to help believers move beyond the words and thoughts of traditional prayer, allowing them to rest in God’s love and experience a deeper connection with Him. 

 

Key Features of Centering Prayer:

 

Silence and Stillness:

The primary focus of Centering Prayer is to sit in silence and stillness, creating space for God to speak to the heart. The goal is to quiet the inner chatter, distractions, and thoughts that often crowd the mind.

 

Sacred Word:

A participant selects a short, sacred word (such as "Jesus," "God," "Love," or "Peace") that is used as a focus during prayer. This word serves as a symbol of God’s presence, and when distractions or thoughts arise, the individual silently returns to the word to center their attention on God.

 

Letting Go of Thoughts:

When thoughts, feelings, or distractions arise during the prayer, the practitioner gently lets them go, returning to the sacred word. This is an act of surrender, allowing one’s mind to rest in God’s presence rather than engaging with the thoughts.

 

Openness to God:

The goal of Centering Prayer is not to ask for specific things, but to simply be open to God and His presence. It is about fostering a deeper relationship with God, listening to His voice, and cultivating a sense of interior peace and union with Him.

 

Take 5-10 minutes to engage in Centering Prayer and rest in God’s presence.