Centering Prayer

I was first intrigued by Centering Prayer some years ago, but I wondered how such a prayer could work for me. Perhaps no one prayer is complete in itself, but I have found this form of extreme value for me.

I give Centering Prayer at least 20-30 minutes a day, at a consistent time and place. I intentionally let God's presence and action enter my life during prayer. Sitting quietly, I repeat one word or symbol such as "Maranatha," "Jesus," "Shalom," "Abba," or "Love," while at the same time relaxing in God's love. My thoughts quiet, and I am still. If my mind wanders, I gently return to the word and move back into stillness. At the end of my prayer, I remain quiet for a few minutes, opening my eyes and gradually becoming aware of the space around me. The closing is marked with praise and adoration, such as "Glory to You, source of all being."

This prayer time is the most important time in my day. In Centering Prayer I consciously affirm God's presence which I know by faith and which puts me into the Ultimate Mystery: God is looking on me with love, and I am being there. I do not try to judge the effect of this prayer on my life; I trust, believe and know that God is alive and at work in me.

Mary Clare Korb, CSJ