Practice centering prayer

Summary

Centering prayer is a quiet practice of gently returning your attention to God's presence as thoughts flow in and out of your mind.

How To

1. Find a confortable, quiet place, and set a timer for 5, 10, or 20 minutes.

2. Think of a word that makes you think of God’s presence. (e.g. God, Presence, Love, etc.)

3. Close your eyes and quietly focus on the reality that God is present—in the universe, in the space you’re in now, and within you. Let the weight or fullness of God's presence fill your senses, similar to how it feels to close your eyes and point your face toward the sun.

4. Whenever your mind wanders, say your word, gently bringing your attention back to God’s presence. Let your thoughts float away, as if you're watching a ship sail out of view.

5. Continue to practice returning to the presence of God in this moment as the most important reality—more important than thoughts, feelings, or insights coming and going from your mind. Just enjoy God’s presence.

Tips

• Centering prayer helps you work the inner 'muscle' of noticing God’s presence above all else. You may not feel different right away, but notice if your awareness of God increases at other points in your day as you practice centering prayer regularly over time.

• Some people find that after practicing centering prayer over time, they need a bit less sleep because the brain finds centering prayer restful (source: A Centered Life, Basil Pennington).

• You may find it helpful to switch between thinking of God in the third person (God is present) and God in the second person (You, O God, are present). They each have a slightly different feel.