Dear Meditators
Each form of meditation has its own way of quieting the ordinary mind and taking you deeper into a state of ‘being.’ Father Thomas Keating, some 30 years ago was pivotal in re-awakening the Christian contemplative tradition from the early dessert fathers, calling it Centering Prayer. Prayer is used synonymously with Meditation in this practice. Whilst you may think all meditation is about achieving ‘still mind’ or ‘pristine awareness,’ centering prayer doesn’t work with controlling the mind, it goes straight for the heart…it’s a surrender method based entirely on the prompt letting go of thoughts as they arise.
Thomas Keating in his book, Intimacy with God writes, Centering prayer is a way of refining our receptive apparatus so that we can perceive the word of God…a receiving designed to facilitate a movement towards contemplation. Our activity has a part, but it is an extremely gentle one, our contribution to it begins by being minimal and finishes by being almost imperceptible. St John of the Cross wrote, The Father spoke one word from all eternity and he spoke it in silence, and it is in silence that we hear it… This is an act of love for the unseen, the very gift by which we surrender to God’s reality, makes his Presence known to us and we experience through spiritual growth – freedom and joy.
We are reminded in scripture, (John 1:1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, allow yourself to be open, to completely surrender and to help you return from distractions when meditating, recall your intention to choose Divine love…a disposition of on-going self surrender and concern for others
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Intimacy with God – Will and Intention in Centering Prayer, p 55 – 57.
We will be with you in prayer this afternoon at 1pm or whenever you can pray
We are using this app to assist. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn. You can see it here
Let us know how you are finding this time – we always like to hear from you😊 Peace and health at this time
Irene & Damien