Centering Prayer

A simple practice of consent to God’s presence and action within

What Is Centering Prayer?

Centering Prayer is a modern expression of ancient Christian contemplative prayer. It is not about thinking, imagining, or analyzing God, but about consenting to God’s loving presence through interior silence. Rather than many words, Centering Prayer rests in a gentle attentiveness, trusting that God is already at work within us.

The practice was articulated in the 20th century by Trappist monk Thomas Keating and his collaborators as a way of reclaiming the contemplative heart of Christianity for ordinary lay life. Its roots, however, stretch far deeper, into the early monastic tradition and medieval mystical texts such as The Cloud of Unknowing.

A Brief History

  • Early Church & Desert Monastics: Silence and watchfulness were central practices for the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

  • Medieval Mysticism: Texts like The Cloud of Unknowing taught prayer beyond thoughts and images.

  • Modern Renewal: In the 1970s, Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and William Meninger shaped Centering Prayer into a simple, teachable method for contemporary Christians.

  • Today: The practice is supported and shared worldwide through Contemplative Outreach, small prayer groups, retreat centers, and personal daily practice.

The Intention of the Practice

Centering Prayer is not about achieving a particular feeling or state of mind. Its purpose is:

  • To deepen our relationship with God

  • To gently loosen our attachment to constant thoughts and reactions

  • To cultivate inner freedom, trust, and compassion

  • To allow God’s grace to heal us at levels beyond conscious awareness

Think of it less as doing prayer and more as consenting to prayer happening within you.

How to Practice Centering Prayer (Traditional Method)

  1. Choose a Sacred Word
    Select a short word (e.g., Love, Peace, Jesus, Abba) as a symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence.

  2. Sit Comfortably and Close Your Eyes
    Sit upright but relaxed. Allow your body to become still.

  3. Gently Introduce the Sacred Word
    When you notice thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations, gently return to your sacred word.
    Do not fight the thoughts, simply let them pass.

  4. Rest in Silence
    Continue for 20 minutes.

  5. Close with a Brief Prayer or Silence
    When the time ends, remain still for a minute or two before re-entering activity.

Most practitioners aim for two sessions per day, often morning and evening.

Making the Practice Flexible

Centering Prayer is adaptable to your season of life. Some gentle variations include:

  • Shorter Sessions: Begin with 5–10 minutes if 20 feels overwhelming.

  • Sacred Breath: Instead of a word, silently pray a phrase with your breath (e.g., Be still).

  • Movement Support: Sit after gentle stretching or walking to help settle the body.

  • Seasonal Intention: During grief, exhaustion, or discernment, simply show up without expectation.

Faithfulness matters more than perfection.

Using an App to Support Your Practice

Many people find it easier to keep a regular rhythm with digital support. A particularly helpful resource is the Examine app.

While best known for the Daily Examen, the app also supports contemplative prayer practices inspired by Reimagining the Ignatian Examen by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, and pairs beautifully with Centering Prayer by helping users notice God’s presence throughout the day.

Apps can:

  • Provide gentle timers

  • Reduce clock-watching

  • Encourage consistency

  • Support prayer in busy or transitional seasons of life

How Centering Prayer Shapes Daily Life

Over time, practitioners often notice:

  • Greater emotional spaciousness

  • Increased compassion for self and others

  • A quieter, more grounded faith

  • A deepened awareness of God in ordinary moments

The fruits of Centering Prayer are usually subtle, cumulative, and revealed in how we live rather than how we feel during prayer.

A Final Word

Centering Prayer is a practice of trust. You are not trying to get somewhere. You are allowing yourself to be where God already is, within you.

If you miss a day, simply return.
If your mind wanders constantly, you are doing it right.
If all you bring is willingness, that is enough.

Silence itself becomes prayer.

For a more active alternative to Centering Prayer, try Open Prayer.