Centering Prayer

“The one condition that precedes every kind of prayer is being present to God with conscious awareness. God is always present with us, whether or not we can feel this reality. In a very real sense, then, the foundation of prayer is being present to the presence of God. Quaker writer and teacher Douglas Steere speaks of ‘being present where we are’ and ‘not too elsewhere.’”
-From Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson

Whenever I’m not sure how to pray, whenever my mind is so full of worry, fear, and distraction that most forms of prayer seem out of reach, I lean on the practice of Centering Prayer. Psalm 46 counsels its readers to “be still and know that I am God,” and this practice of prayer is the best way I know to do that. 

I want you to find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for the next 15 minutes. I want you to sit comfortably, but not so comfortably that you’re at risk of falling asleep (this is not a great prayer pratice first thing in the morning or as you’re lying in bed about to sleep). I want you to set a timer for 15 minutes on your phone, watch, clock, or whatever device you have available as long as it’s one that you trust so you wont be tempted to check the time every 30 seconds. You’re about to spend 15 minutes in silent contemplation. It will feel like an eternity. This will not work if you keep taking yourself out of it to look as the clock. 

Next, choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to be open to God’s presence. It can be any word that reminds you to be present to God. Examples of a sacred word to focus on are things like: God, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother, Mary, Amen, Love, Listen, Peace, Mercy, Let Go, Silence, Stillness, Faith, Trust, Holy, Glory, etc. as long as it points you toward God’s presence.  Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, silently begin to repeat the sacred word, which points you gently towards God. When you are ready, you can let go of the sacred word and simply rest in God. Allow yourself to sense God’s nearness. It won’t come all at once, and will feel quite silly at first. 

When distracting thoughts arise, gently let go of them and return to the sacred word. I like to imagine myself standing on the shore of a slow-moving river. When distracting thoughts or worries come up, I imagine myself placing them in the river and allowing them to be carried away so that I can return to resting in God’s presence. 

When your 15 minute timer goes off, simply say “Amen,” and go on with your day, hopefully more aware of God’s presence than you were before. I encourage you to try this a few times over the next few weeks and see how it refocuses you.

Rev. Ryan Young