Centering prayer retreat notes
Centering prayer is a method of silent prayer... in which we experience the presence of God within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. -Thomas Keating
So often we are addicted to our minds, our egoic thoughts, concerned about survival and success and our false selves. From this egoic mind, we have repetitive, programmatic thought patterns. Centering prayer is an invitation to wake up to being and connecting to the giver of life eternal.
Our minds divide and separate. We often see in binaries, black and white, right or wrong, 1’s and 0’s. This mind cannot connect us to God. It’s the binary mind that leaves us separated, alienated and lonely. All is one in God. Through Christ everything is connected and one. Col. 1
Centering prayer is a discipline to drop ourselves out of our minds into our hearts. The goal is to detach and disconnect from our thoughts. It is a spiritual practice that takes us beyond words.
We are often taught that our bodies are at best a distraction and at worst evil. Senses can be a doorway to your heart, the true essence of knowing God and embodying love. Jesus spoke much more about fruit than tell you what to think or believe.