Before we go into prayer,
I thought I'd give you some explanation of how to do Centering Prayer.
Hopefully,
After you've listened to this track,
You will have a comfortable understanding of the process.
First,
Find a place where you will be totally alone,
Away from all distractions and disturbances,
Away from all TVs,
Phones,
And computers.
A place that can be dedicated for your times of prayer and silent spiritual reading and journal writing.
A space that will be for one-on-one time with God.
Then find a chair that allows you to sit up straight with your feet resting on the floor.
The important thing is that you are able to sit in an attentive posture.
This wouldn't be the time to use a comfortable recliner or to curl up in a soft chair.
It may take some persistence on your part while your mind and body adjust to the stillness,
But the benefits will be immeasurable.
It's best to do this prayer twice a day,
Preferably when you wake up,
And then again early evening.
A couple tips that may be helpful.
Check that the temperature of the room is comfortable and remove your shoes so you can feel your feet resting on the floor.
You may choose to begin your Centering Prayer time with a brief scripture or other spiritual reading.
After you have done so,
Put your Bible or book to the side and just sit unencumbered by anything.
As soon as you sit down to begin your Centering Prayer time,
Your mind will start its rapid fire program of thoughts.
You are no different than anyone else.
The lungs breathe,
The heart beats,
And the mind thinks.
We can't control it.
During Centering Prayer,
We're not trying to control our thinking or forcefully clear our minds.
We simply want to fulfill our heart's desire to be in the presence of God,
Consenting to the transforming work within us and the deepening of our relationship.
When you're ready to begin your prayer,
Close your eyes,
Rest your hands on your thighs,
Notice your breathing,
And begin to settle.
Choose a sacred word.
This is a short word that you will use during your prayer time as a symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within you.
It's best to use only one word during prayer.
You may change it in time,
But try not to think too hard about it.
Your sacred word is not chosen for its meaning,
But as a symbol of your consent to God's healing presence and transforming action within you.
Some examples of a sacred word might be Abba,
Jesus,
Spirit,
Love,
Yes,
Peace,
Or any other you choose.
Try to stay away from a word that might create particular images in your mind.
If it feels more suitable to you instead of a word,
You might want to recognize your breath.
Either way,
Your word or breath is sacred because it's used as your turning point,
Your gentle inner movement toward God.
Every time you return to your sacred word or breath,
You are expressing,
Not my will,
But your will be done.
During Centering Prayer,
Thoughts will pass through your mind.
However,
When you notice you are engaged in a particular thought,
That's when you ever so gently return to your sacred word or breath as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within you.
I use the word thought as an overall term for every idea,
Perception,
Feeling,
Image,
Memory,
Or experience you will incur.
Your sacred word or breath will help you return to the present moment.
No need to repeat your word over and over again,
Just a simple,
Gentle return to your intention.
Our thoughts distract us and may cause us to be in the past or in the future,
And God,
The Great I Am,
Is in the present.
As we continue in our Centering Prayer practice,
Our ability to live in the present develops and grows.
It's good to begin your Centering Prayer with a spoken prayer.
I've included this for you.
No need to watch a clock,
As the music and prayer to the Father will end your Centering Prayer.
On the next track,
We will begin your actual prayer time.
I will guide you into the silence.
You are more than ready to begin.
