A Method of Contemplative Prayer (Wordless Prayer, Centering Prayer)
Adapted from contemplativeoutreach.org
We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative prayer is the opening of one’s heart—our whole being—to God, the Ultimate Mystery, knowable in our thoughts, words, and emotions but also beyond thoughts, words or emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us (“For this is the mystery: Christ in us, the hope of glory”) closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing—closer than consciousness itself.
What has been called “centering prayer” [using language from the Quakers and Catholic contemplatives—i.e. Christ at the center of our being] is an attempt to translate the teaching of an earlier time (see The Cloud of Unknowing, by an anonymous English Pastor in the 14th Century) in an updated form. It s not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. During this time of prayer we consent to God’s presence and action within.
Guidelines
1. Choose a “sacred word” as the symbol of your intention to consent to
God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently
introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s
presence and action within.
3 When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the
sacred word (as the chosen expression of your intention to consent
to God’s presence and action within.)
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a
couple of minutes.
Notes of explanation
Use the sacred word as the expression of your intent to be open to God, rather than meditating on the meaning of the word, per se. A simple word works well, such as “Lord” “Jesus” “Abba” (It is not a “mantra” to be concentrated on.)
Expect, especially as you begin, to be assailed by thoughts, some of which will simply pass (like boats on a river), some of which will interest you (you will “get on the boat”) As soon as you realize that you’ve “gotten on the boat,” simply return to the sacred word. “Thoughts” refers to any thought, feeling, impression,
insight, etc. (good, bad, or indifferent).