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What is Centering Prayer?

Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, a prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.

The Guidelines

Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.

Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.

When engaged with your thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

It is recommended that you practice Centering Prayer for a minimum of 20 minutes, twice each day,
with the intention of deepening your relationship with God.

Garden of cactus and flowers. Imagery for Centering Prayer
“O living flame of love…” St. John of the Cross
Painting by Julene Franki

Learn more about Centering Prayer from the Contemplative Outreach website.

Find local Prayer groups in San Antonio and the Hill Country.

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