Centering Prayer Meditation 9 February 2021
Dear Meditators
Today, I have used some inspirational words from both Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault on releasing self in Meditation. Take what you need of them into your silence as your centering prayer and intention to be in God’s presence.
- Thomas Keating tells us that God communicates himself on only one condition. Our consent. Visions, consolations, experiences, psychological breakthroughs, all have value but only a limited value, pointing us to the maximum value, which is the whole of God in pure faith. This faith, once it is established as a conviction, changes our perspective of who we are and who God is. The gifts of the Spirit enabling us to respond to the realities and routines of our daily life and to perceive the divine presence in the ordinary, the insignificant, and even in suffering.
- Cynthia Bourgeault continuing on this theme says: Gradually, after repeated practice, taking them on faith as it were, the Mystery begins to reveal itself as neither dark, empty nor formless. Rather the path of surrender practiced in each tiny letting go eventually fills in the darkness with the intimate knowledge of the face we had before we had a face, the oneness in love which is the way of “knowing in being known.”
- From Scripture: Into your hands I commit my spirit Psm 31:5.
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, allow yourself a deeper spiritual awareness intimately attuned to God – an awareness of the Divine Indwelling at the core of your being.
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Thomas Keating – Intimacy with God, p 102-103
Cynthia Bourgeault – Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening – p 51
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
for the thing that is God’s will and to his glory. It continues as we give ourselves more and more to God and it ends in our being more united with God, as we confidently trust the outcome. One of her poems expresses this beautifully:
I pray
I want an answer, Lord.
I want to change the world.
I pray.
I get an answer.
‘All I’m going to change is you.’
I pray.
Lord, change me.
1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18: Pray without ceasing, gives thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, allow yourself to breathe in the Spirit, breathe out your soul to God… For God has heard you, and has your request on his heart.
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Making all Things Well – finding spiritual strength with Julian of Norwich – p 72 – 75.
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