What do you think of centering prayer?

Answer 1

New idea to me, but I've only been a Christian and studied the Bible for 60 years. One thing I've learned over those many years is "do not be carried away by every wind of doctrine..." (Epehians 4:14)

Answer 2

I have practiced it for a number of years and it is a part of my regular prayer practice.

Centering Prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert, Lectio Divina, (praying the scriptures), The Cloud of Unknowing, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.. It was distilled into a simple method of prayer in the 1970’s by three Trappist monks, Fr. William Meninger, Fr. Basil Pennington and Abbot Thomas Keating at the Trappist Abbey, St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts.

You can learn more about it here: http://www.centeringprayer.com/cntrgpryr.htm

The method is described here: http://www.centeringprayer.com/methodcp.htm

Some have criticized it as a form of self-hypnosis and not prayer at all. Here's an article on this view: http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1997/9711fea1.asp

Personally, I have not found this to be the case. I find the experience of centering prayer in a group to be intense, deep and powerful.

Answer 3

My pastor did a special service on prayer last Sunday and he discussed major components necessary in prayer: having faith (believe in what you're asking), confession, adoration, praise, thanksgiving, dedicated action (help for others), and requests. Too many people believe that prayer is simply a "to do list" for the Lord. He told us to pray fervently - as in desperation (there's no place else to turn) - all the time. He taught us to center our thoughts on the Lord and pray whole heartily. I don't know how that compares to "centering prayer", but it has made a HUGE difference in my life.

Answer 4

There is much debate on whether centering prayer is compatible with Christianity. Both sides claim Teresa of Avila for part of their justification.

Some say this technique is based on the Christian contemplative heritage including Teresa of Avila and leads to contemplation (receptive prayer of resting in God).

Others say mind-emptying technique is based on Hinduism and Zen Buddhists and is incompatible with Christianity because Christian prayer involves the mind and the heart full (not empty) of Jesus or God. Even in preparation for contemplation, St. Teresa of Avila advises people to meditate or "think about" the Holy Scriptures.

I am currently keeping an open mind.

With love in Christ.

Answer 5

I'm all for centering prayer. I use it all the time. Are you talking about the Centering Prayer that Fr. Keating talks about, or someone else?

Answer 6

That is the basis for all contact with the diety of your choise. it is part of pre christian prayers before and after the main serivice.also eastern medatation (a form of prayer). The begining of Pagan rites where you state your intentions first.
Eastern and western centering differ only in that the eastern mind set is to become one with the nohingnes of the universe. while western medatation involes a different more active role of builig up a pcture in your ind f what you are praying to.

Answer 7

Yeah, what oldguy said, only I've been studying and reading for only about 45 years.
I think I'll stick with what has been working for me all of my life...just having a plain talk with my Father about whatever happens to be on my mind at the time. He always listens, and He always has an answer for me. Why mess with perfection??

Answer 8

what is centering prayer

Answer 9

It's a very effective technique. And easily taught or learned.

Answer 10

Never heard of it.