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Centering Prayer

Prayer

God who is all seeing, be our eyes today that we might see your way forward for your people, your church and your world.

What we see changes our perception and drives our direction.

What we see colors our creative and collaborative spirit.

What we see calls that which is shadow into the light.

What we see is born of God as we seek the Holy together.

Bless the eyes of our hearts, Living Lord, that we might  through the lens of your Holy Spirit the road you would have us walk, the journey you would invite us to as we work and pray. With the singular focus of love and grace, we yield ourselves this day! Amen.

— Invitation to Presence from a Town Hall Meeting

Prayer Practice — Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us. It is not meant to replace other types of prayer, but adds depth to meaning to all prayer to rest in God.

1. Choose a sacred word as an intention and reminder of God’s presence and action.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as your prayer before God. Sit for 5-20 minutes in silence.
3. When engaged with your thoughts (or your mind wanders), return ever so gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.