The other evening I attended a session of Centering Prayer at one of the local churches. What a challenge to sit there in “intentional silence” and let the mind go, to “follow the breath” or, with a sacred word, such as “Jesus” or “be still,” direct the mind back to nothing.
Cynthia Bourgeault, in her book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, tells us: “Perhaps the most powerful argument (for Centering Prayer) is the one from authority. Virtually every spiritual tradition that holds a vision of human transformation at its heart also claims that a practice of intentional silence is a non-negotiable. Period. You just have to do it.”
When I listen to God, I hear just that, that I have to do it. Um, am I hearing that I must take some time not to listen to God? We are told that twenty minutes twice a day is all that is required, so I am going to give it a go and see if I can establish a Centering Prayer habit. When I remember the “Jesus Prayer” experience that I started a few months ago, I have faith that I can do this one. I began saying, “Jesus Christ have mercy on me, ” whenever I remembered, and although I certainly don’t pray without ceasing, I feel I pray it frequently enough to accept that I have formed a habit.
I’ll let you know how I get along with the Centering Prayer. I’ll confess the ups and the downs, the successes and the “try agains.”
Cynthia Bourgeault, in her book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, tells us: “Perhaps the most powerful argument (for Centering Prayer) is the one from authority. Virtually every spiritual tradition that holds a vision of human transformation at its heart also claims that a practice of intentional silence is a non-negotiable. Period. You just have to do it.”
When I listen to God, I hear just that, that I have to do it. Um, am I hearing that I must take some time not to listen to God? We are told that twenty minutes twice a day is all that is required, so I am going to give it a go and see if I can establish a Centering Prayer habit. When I remember the “Jesus Prayer” experience that I started a few months ago, I have faith that I can do this one. I began saying, “Jesus Christ have mercy on me, ” whenever I remembered, and although I certainly don’t pray without ceasing, I feel I pray it frequently enough to accept that I have formed a habit.
I’ll let you know how I get along with the Centering Prayer. I’ll confess the ups and the downs, the successes and the “try agains.”
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