Several years ago I picked up a pamphlet that talked about
Centering Prayer, written by Robert O'Rourke.
Here is a brief look at what he had to share on Centering Prayer:
Here is a brief look at what he had to share on Centering Prayer:
The experience of centering prayer is to find God within.
There are four simple steps to centering prayer:
1) Upon entering prayer, take a few minutes to quiet and relax your body,
and then move in faith to God dwelling in the center of your being.
2) Choose a single, sacred word that expresses for you the fullness
of God. Begin to repeat this word inwardly.
3) Whenever your mind wanders or becomes aware of anything
else, gently return to your sacred word.
4) After 15-20 minutes quietly reenter the world, asking God
to remain with you and make His (or Her) Presence know.
One of the first things we need to do in all forms of meditation and prayer
is to detach ourselves from the fast-paced world of activity and follow God's simple
invitation: Be still and know that I am God.
Be prepared for an onrush of thoughts.
As a result of returning to your sacred word, you slow down the
onrush of many thoughts by focusing on one.
As you do this, tension begins to flow out of your life.
This is another way of being still and listening,
releasing the tension within you.
releasing the tension within you.
