Centering Prayer is a meditation technique designed to prepare the practitioners to discover God’s presence everywhere and consent to His action within(1).

Pray, hope, and don’t worry.
-Padre Pio

Centering Prayer is a method of silently resting in the presence of God(2). Even though the technique derives from Christian contemplative meditation traditions, its scope is not limited to one religion. Any meditator, seeking to deepen their relationship with the Almighty, can benefit from this practice(2). But it can take anywhere from days to an entire lifetime or beyond to attain the result. It depends on the spiritual evolution of the practitioner’s soul.   

It is believed that with Centering Prayer, one can truly experience God’s loving and affirming presence(3). The technique is practiced with the intention to know God’s presence in the meditators’ lives, not only intellectually but also by experience(3). The method requires the meditator to choose a one- or two-syllable sacred word like Yes, Silent, God, Amen, Love, Mercy, Peace, or Let Go(2). The sacred word must express your intention to be in God’s presence and open your heart to divine action. 

Remember that the Centering Prayer does not aim to replace any other form of worship. It puts other prayers in a new perspective, helping you to accept God’s presence within and outward. 

History/Origins

The method of Centering Prayer was developed in the 1970s by Thomas Keating, William Meninger, and Basil Pennington, a group of Trappist Monks(2). They created the Centering Prayer technique based on their knowledge of Christian spiritual classics such as the writings of Desert Fathers and Mothers, The Cloud of Unknowing, writings of John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, and other Christian scriptures(2). The simple technique of Centering Prayer then began to become widely accepted. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
-Jesus Christ

Benefits of Centering Prayer

Research shows that Centering Prayer has multiple psychological benefits. According to a study(4), daily practice of this technique can significantly reduce stress. Another research article by Joshua J. Knabb(5) suggests that Centering Prayer Meditation has the ability to prevent depression relapse in adults. 

 

References

  1. cpt.org | The Method of Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating
  2. Cascade Books | Centering Prayer for Everyone: With Readings, Programs, and Instructions for Home and Group Practice by Lindsay Boyer
  3. Crown Publishing Group | Centered Living: The Way of Centering Prayer by Basil Pennington | The Untold Fruits of Centering Prayer
  4. Pastoral Psychology | Volume 59 | 2010 | Centering Prayer as a Healing Response to Everyday Stress: A Psychological and Spiritual Process by Jane K. Ferguson, Eleanor W. Willemsen and MayLynn V. Castañeto
  5. Journal of Religion and Health | Volume 51 | 2012 | Centering Prayer as an Alternative to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression Relapse Prevention by Joshua J. Knabb