Centering Prayer

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

PSALM 46:10 (NIV)

●  LOVE GOD

What if you could pray without saying a word?

Centering prayer is a deeper layer of prayer than just talking at God. Much like a couple who have been married for decades no longer need to say as much to each other, this form of prayer is a loving silence between us and God.

THE PRACTICE

Simply being with God

Centering prayer can be described as “I look at Him, He looks at me, and we are happy.” To practice centering prayer, find a space that is quiet. Become aware of God’s presence with you and around you, and begin to “gaze” upon him. Look toward him. Spend this time of prayer not saying words, not asking him to do anything, but in a place of love, just being with God.

This form of prayer can be difficult for many of us because it feels “unproductive.” What if God doesn’t do anything? What if nothing happens to me? Why am I wasting my time with God? As you begin centering prayer, aim to lay those questions down. Wasting time with God is never a waste, and we can’t judge how God can use moments of loving contemplation with him.

RESOURCES

Companions for the journey

Open Mind, Open Heart
Book by Thomas Keating. The classic introduction to centering prayer.

Centering Prayer app
Free, from Contemplative Outreach. A simple timer with opening and closing prayers.