Centering Prayer
This text was taken from http://www.lectiodivina.org/centeringPrayer.htm. As I researched the methods of centering prayer I ran across the above website that had the best explanation I've come across, so i cut it and pasted it here 
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Centering Prayer is a simple method of prayer that sets up the ideal conditions to rest in quite awareness of God's presence. This way of prayer is alluded to in many passages in the Old and New Testaments and probably dates from then. The Greek Fathers referred to it as monologion, "one-word" prayer. The desert father, Abba Isaac taught a similar form of prayer to John Cassian who later wrote of it in France, transmitting it to Benedict of Nursia. Unfortunately, by the time of the 16th century, the prayer form largely went out of use in favor of more discursive modes of prayer.
The modern method of this ancient prayer form came to be known as Centering Prayer after being offered in retreats at Saint Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, Massachusetts in the 1970's. The use of the Prayer quickly spread throughout the United States, and as books were written on the subject and translated into other languages, throughout the world. Many feel this marks the beginning of a revival that is sure to deepen the range of experience of people everywhere, deepen their relationship with God, deepen their love of God and their love of those around them -- the stuff that lasting world peace is made of.
As you sit comfortably with eyes closed:
| 1. Let yourself settle down. Let go of all the thoughts, tensions, and sensations you may feel and begin to rest in love of God who dwells within. 2. Effortlessly, take up a word, the symbol of your intention to surrender to God's presence, and let the word be gently present. 3. When you become aware of thoughts or as internal sensations arise, just take this as your signal to gently return to the word, the symbol of your intention to let go and rest in God's presence. 4. If thoughts subside and you find yourself restfully aware, simply let go even of the word. Just be in that stillness. When thoughts begin to stir again, gently return to the word. 5. At the end of your prayer time (20 minutes in the morning and evening is a good balance), take a couple of minutes to come out of the silence -- even if you don't feel you need it. Many people find this a perfect time to internally express to God their thanks and to pray for others in need of God's grace." |
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