Centering Prayer is a meditation technique which works primarily with the repetition of a sacred word or formula. It is a silent, non-conceptual form prayer and therefore different from conventional spoken prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer or mentally repeated prayers. The practice of centering prayer seeks to still the activity of the mind in order to experience a loving awareness of God’s presence.
What Is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer can be summed up in four steps.
- Choose a sacred word or phrase such as "Abba," "Jesus," "Shalom" or "Love."
- Sit with eyes closed and begin repeating the chosen sacred word.
- When ever other thoughts arise, keep coming back to the sacred word.
- At the end of your prayer, remain in silence for a while, observing your breathing.
Sacred Words for Centering Prayer
Possible sacred words or phrases for Centering Prayer are "Jesus," "Christos," "Jesus Christ," "Father," "Abba," "God," "Mother," "Mother Mary,"God Mother," "Amen," "God." Other possibilities are "Love," "Peace," "Mercy," "Listen," "Yes."
It is also possible to use sacred words from other religious traditions such as "Shalom," "Salam," and "Allah." Suitable longer phrases would be "Kyrie eleison," "Christe eleison," "Lord have mercy," "Christ have mercy," and "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me."
How to Practice Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is usually practiced just like any other sitting meditation. Find a comfortable sitting posture. This could be any posture in which you can sit comfortably for the length of the prayer while keeping your spine upright. You may sit cross-legged, in half or full lotus posture or simply on a chair.
It is advisable to do some stretching exercises or simply prepare the body by yawning and stretching your arms over your head. If you want, you can also utter a short prayer. Then close your eyes and briefly relax by becoming mindful of your buttocks touching the ground and the rhythmic movement of your breathing in the nostrils or in the belly.
Repeating a Sacred Word or Phrase
Now begin to silently repeat the chosen sacred word or phrase in your mind. It may be helpful to link this repetition to the rhythm of your breath, for example repeating shalom with each in- and out-breath. The word or phrase can also be split, repeating "sha-" while breathing in and "–lom" when breathing out, or breathing in "Jesus" and breathing out "Christ."
Practical Tips for Centering Prayer
When any other thoughts, feelings or sensations arise during the practice, simply return your attention to the sacred word or phrase. Do this in a gentle but persistent manner. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence for a while, keeping your eyes closed and possibly observing your breath.
Before coming out of your meditation, start breathing deeper and more actively and become aware of your surroundings. You might also want to stretch your arms, yawn, sigh or rub your eyes before opening your eyes. You may choose to end your practice by saying a short prayer.
The Essentials of Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a Christian approach to meditation. It is one form of Contemplative Prayer, working with the repetition of a sacred word or phrase. By calming, concentrating and ultimately emptying the mind, it seeks to develop a direct awareness of the Divine.
As the German mystic Meister Eckhart put it: “To be empty of things is to be full of God.” In Centering Prayer, one doesn’t use the mind to reflect on Bible texts or spiritual truths but rather seeks to go beyond the mind itself to directly experience God. It is a Christian practice very similar to the Hindu practice of mantra japa.
Literature
Keating, Thomas. Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer. The Crossroad Publishing Company; Third edition, 2009.
Martin Bohn - As a certified yoga teacher, I enjoy freelancing for various yoga magazines in different countries. In my main profession, I work as a ...
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