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by J. David Muyskens
Centering Prayer does not require constant use of a mantra or consciousness of breathing or any effort of exerted attention. Letting go of all our efforts, we simply sit with the intention of surrendering to God. We wait with openness, turning to God through the use of our prayer word that expresses our readiness to receive the love of God.
AS YOU BEGIN TO PRAY, what is the name of God you commonly choose? The name you use to address God can be a word that helps you stay in an open attitude of silent prayer. You approach and address God and then you go no further; you simply commune with God in a loving relationshiip for the Centering Prayer period. Later you listen for God's word and make your verbal prayers. For now, you enter silent communion.
I recommend that you begin with at least twenty minutes of Centering Prayer. If that is not possible, try taking as much time as you can. If you start with five minutes a day at first, you can move to ten minutes next week and work your way up to at least twenty.
When a thought comes to you, let go of it for the time being by gently returning to your familiar name for God. Every time you recall that name, it will open your heart to the loving presence of God.
Next read Isaiah 30:15-18. Begin with the prayer, "God, what do you want to say to me?" Read not for information but for formation, not for comprehension but for apprehension, not to think of God but to know God. Allow a word from the reading to speak to you. Meditate on the word that caught your attention. Reflect on the word, asking, "What does the word I am hearing mean for me?" You can begin a daily journal by recording the date, the scripture reference read, the word that caught your attention, and reflective thoughts you receive during meditation. Respond to God in verbal prayer. This you can also write in your journal if you wish. Finally, give yourself a little time simply to rest in God. Take time for contemplation deeper than words. As you leave your place of prayer, take with you the word you received from the reading, as well as the interior silence and calm you have been given.
Excerpted from pages 14-15, 84 of Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Practice of Centering Prayer by J. David Muyskens. Copyright © 2006 by J. David Muyskens. Published by Upper Room Books. Used with permission.
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