Though leading a Centering Prayer group may seem daunting, in reality it can be easy and fun with the proper organization and materials. Learn what Centering Prayer is, easy ways to begin the group, and resources available through Contemplative Outreach, a resource that shares contemplative prayer practices with all interested Christians.
What is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer where believers rest and receive God's presence in their lives. Contemplative prayer is simply a quiet prayer where one receives God, rather than active prayer where one speaks or asks God to do something.
Though monks and nuns have practiced contemplative prayer for centuries, an interest in sharing this life-changing prayer with all the faithful began after Vatican II. Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk, developed a simple way to teach believers contemplative prayer in an easy twenty minute session, called Centering Prayer.
How to Begin Centering Prayer
For someone leading Centering Prayer for the first time, there are many ways to begin the prayer session of a group. Instruct everyone to sit comfortably in a circle. If new members of the group exist, the leader can provide a brief explanation on how to practice Centering Prayer.
When everyone knows what's going on, encourage members to close their eyes and consider one of the following methods to begin:
- Light a candle in the center of the group.
- A gentle tone of a bell or meditation gong.
- Chant a simple phrase from Taize or a verse of a hymn.
- Slowly recite a line from a prayer, such as "Thy Kingdom Come" (Lord's Prayer).
- Slowly recite a short phrase from scripture or the liturgy that pertains to silence, such as "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
It's important to remember that Centering Prayer is about listening to God within each individual, not about using lots of words. Keep an introduction to a prayer session brief -- no longer than a minute -- as it should serve to provide focus to the group.
How to End Centering Prayer
As group facilitator, one must end the twenty minute session in a way that is not jarring to those resting in silence. Keep time by watching a clock or stop watch that vibrates, but be considerate of others and do not use a timing devise that makes a blaring noise that will interrupt the prayer. Several minutes before the prayer session ends, transition the group out of the session with any of the following:
- Slowly and softly recite the words to the "Our Father," "Hail Mary," or another prayer.
- Chime a bell or gong softly several times with space in between.
- Chant softly the hymn or song used in the beginning.
Resources for Leading Centering Prayer
Contemplative Outreach, an interdenominational organization founded by Catholic Father Thomas Keating, is an invaluable tool in both leading and practicing Centering Prayer.
Contemplative Outreach offers free informational pamphlets from their website on how to practice Centering Prayer. Other resources from the organization include:
- A series of videos from Father Thomas Keating sharing the discipline of Centering Prayer and how it transforms a believer’s relationship with God.
- Training materials for those wishing to become certified Centering Prayer group leaders through Contemplative Outreach.
- A locator tool to find the nearest Centering Prayer group.
- Bookstore with books and other resources about Centering Prayer and other forms of contemplative prayer.
- Listing of contemplative prayer retreats sponsored by Contemplative Outreach.
Centering Prayer, like any spiritual discipline, takes patience and practice. With the right resources and information, leading a Centering Prayer group can be easy and fun.
For another contemplative prayer practice, Lectio Divina Devotion: An Early Christian Bible Study Adapted for Today may also be of interest. To enhance personal prayer, Sacred Word, Phrase and Symbol Ideas for Centering Prayer may also be enjoyed.
Sources:
Contemplative Outreach. "About Us." Contemplative Outreach Website, July 2010.
Keating, Thomas. Open Mind, Open Heart. Continuum, 2010.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
