Centering prayer is a type of contemplative prayer that's been explored since the beginnings of the church.
Its purpose is to allow us to reach a deeper degree of communion with God, as well as to let God speak into our hearts.
Through centering prayer we are able to find rest for our souls, not simply the body, as well as letting God to develop us into new people with new hearts.
The main focus is changed from prayer as speaking with God to listening for God's voice.
This might be different from how you're used to praying, so do not be concerned if it feels strange to start with.
Centering prayer emphasizes the personal relationship with God, going beyond conversion to intimacy with God.
Centering prayer is not just an event.
It is a long-term practice that must be disciplined.
You can't get the most out of it if you only try it once or twice.
In fact, before you decide if it's working for you or not, you should probably practice it for at least a month.
1.
Create an environment that is conducive to contemplation The first thing you need to do to practice centering prayer is to find or create a place where you can be comfortable sitting in silence for at least 15 minutes.
When you become more acclimated to the practice you may go longer than 15 minutes, but that's a good goal to start with.
It's important to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your contemplation.
I often wear knit pajama pants.
You can sit in a chair or on the floor, but if you sit on the floor you should probably have a cushion.
I use a firm pillow.
You may have a physical ailment of some kind that prevents you from sitting on the floor.
Despite the stereotypical image we often have of gurus meditating in a lotus position, it is OK to sit in a chair.
The only thing that matters is sitting so that you can be comfortable, but also awake and alert.
You should make sure your place for meditation is quiet, and do what you can to prevent distraction.
I understand this can be hard.
I live in a busy inner-city neighborhood so it's not always easy for me.
Do the best you can, and maybe do something like lighting a lightly-scented candle to create a good environment.
2.
Sit comfortably on a chair or the floor, close your eyes, and breathe slowly but naturally I like to sit on the floor, legs crossed.
I'm a bit too stiff to try the lotus position, though if you're able you can feel free to sit that way.
Keep your back straight but not rigid, and make sure your hips and shoulders are lined up straight.
If you sit in a chair, put your feet flat on the floor.
Sometimes people get tripped up over their breathing.
Don't think about it too much, just let it come naturally.
As you become more focused your breathing will naturally get slower and deeper.
The exact way you breathe is completely your decision.
3.
Choose a short phrase or word to use as a focus As you breathe, you should repeat a word or phrase in your head.
This could be a word from scripture, or maybe something that helps you notice God's closeness.
Many choose to repeat the word Abba, but the specific word or phrase doesn't matter as long as it helps you center yourself and recognize the presence of God about, around, and within you.
Eventually you will no longer need to consciously speak the word in your mind; you will have internalized it.
At that point, you can invite God to search your heart and begin the work of healing.
When you find yourself distracted, take up your word again to find your bearings and return to your internal place of peace.
4.
Repeat this for 15 minutes or more Do not become frustrated if you have difficulty focusing.
It will come! Don't try to push out your thoughts or struggle against them.
Continue breathing and praying your word/phrase.
Allow thoughts to come and go.
If you feel frustration or condemnation, know that God is with you and will not allow evil to overcome you.
It could be that through your thoughts God is showing you something.
Let them be, accept the fact of their existence, and keep allowing God to illumine your inner self.
5.
Allow your breathing to return to normal, and prepare to re-enter the world When 15 minutes or however long you decided is up, open your eyes and become aware of the world around you.
Look around the room, observing what's happening.
Be aware of the presence of God with you, and know that it is always present wherever you are.
Your thoughts may return in a flood; allow them to come back without fighting them.
Let your mind move into whatever it is you're doing next.
You could close with another prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer or something personal.
Personal devotions and centering prayer Centering prayer is not the only form of Christian meditation--far from it!--but it is one of the easiest to begin as a regular practice and will open your being to experience God in ways you may not have known possible.
You can use centering prayer as a standalone practice, or as the introduction to another kind of meditation.
I hope you will find the practice of centering prayer a freeing and spiritually enriching experience.