What is Centering Prayer?
Centering prayer is one of the Wisdom practices we use to support an inner shift of consciousness. It is a tool that helps us open the heart and ground ourselves in love as we discuss and move money. In the video below, Steven Bonsey explains what centering prayer is, how it supports us, and how to do it.
How to Practice Centering Prayer
Here are some instructions for you to try out centering prayer. They are based on those given in Centering Prayer by Cynthia Bourgeault.
- Decide how much time you will sit for and set a timer or have a clock nearby. 15-20 minutes is ideal, but pray as you can and not as you cannot.
- Choose a sacred word (i.e. Christ, love, grace, hope…). Once you have chosen a word, stay with that word as your centering word.
- Find a quiet place and sit in a relaxed, upright position. i.e. feet on the floor, back straight but not rigid, eyes closed.
- Set your intention. For instance, I want to be available to God; I want to open my heart; I want to empty myself; etc.
- During the time of meditation, when you notice that you are thinking, let the thought go. Whatever the thought may be, silently say your sacred word and gently return to your intention. Thoughts give us opportunities to practice surrender and release. There is no need for self-judgment here.
- Sit for as long as you have decided and when the time is complete, open your eyes.
For more about this practice, see Centering Prayer and The Heart of Centering Prayer, both by Cynthia Bourgeault.
Centering Prayer at Our Retreats
Centering prayer is an important and supportive practice in our work and retreats. To see upcoming retreats and events, both online and in-person, please visit our regularly updated Events page.