Thank you, Christine. Centering Prayer has been a regular practice for me since I learned it via Thomas Keating videos at my church in 2006-2007. It has affected me profoundly in many ways, especially (sometimes) being able to hold things in a nondualistic way and seeing more with eyes of love. My practice has deepened over the years with reading and studying with the Center for Action and Comtemplation, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Cynthia Bourgeault, Dr. Barbara Holmes, Brian McLaren, and many others.
This is such an excellent post, Christine. Maybe it's just the circles I'm in, but I have tried to introduce the practice of centering prayer to various groups. Interestingly, all of the groups, regardless of age, ethnicity, or any other socioeconomic flavor difference that may be found, all suffered from the same malady which you speak of; just the practice of sitting quiet, one word or thought, was nearly impossible for even a short time. All of the participants reported the almost impossible task of quieting the inner voice or having trouble focusing or returning to the holding word. I'm a big fan of Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault so it is a very cherished practice for me. A side effect of living in a privileged society--we have too much to occupy our minds, constantly, at our fingertips. Contemplation is a discipline, truly.
Your experience reminds me of some contemplative prayer practices I taught at my church last year during Lent. Results were mixed! I think it is so counter-cultural to engage this way (especially for heady Presbyterians!) But you are right - discipline is the best workd for it!
Yes, I love Centering prayer! I just led a group through this practice via zoom last week and while 20 minutes felt long (I wondered if everyone would still be there when I opened my eyes!) it was a meaningful experience. Many had never done it before, so it was interesting to have a short time of sharing how the experience was for them. My word that I've used for the last 7 years is rest. I've occasionally tried another word, but this one sticks.
Rest! What a powerful word, especially this time of year! And I'm intrigued by offering Centering Prayer via zoom - I've never done it that way and imagine it could be a unique format when people are both in the comfort of their homes and yet practicing intentionally together.
Prayer for me is any practice that increases my awareness of God. One of my favorite ways to pray is to keep my body as still as I can. Even if my mind is busy, I feel more grounded just by keeping my body still. And often aware of a great Power.
What a great word - that can have so many meanings and metaphor. One of these days I'm planning on writing a post about water - so that one might speak to you as well!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story about Barry’s family. I think this is my sign to read “Help, Thanks, Wow”, I read about it in Rainn Wilson’s book exactly a year ago and thought “I should read that!” And then promptly forgot to do so!
I also loved all the gorgeous artwork in your letter today. Thank you CVD.
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire...unuttered or expressed." (James Montgomery 1818 Hymn) Just the thought of prayer is a prayer. God knows our hearts, better than we think.
At my father's death bed I gave him my love in a good bye prayer: "Dad, I love you now and will love you always. You can go whenever you choose to rest." Prior to my prayer he had wanted every thirty min. or so to know the time...knowing there was an inevitable end but wanting to make sure he was aware of his passage to the next realm. He could not respond by the time I was telling him goodbye, but I think he could hear me.
He was an Episcopal priest and in his lifetime had administered unction and told many people goodbye and comforted their families.
My life was started with prayer and will end with prayer. Every conceivable type of prayer is in my thoughts and words in between. 'God help me' has probably borne more fruit than any other.
I have practiced many kinds of prayer, but sometimes a short phrase or soul whisper from me to the triune God keeps it simple.
Tina, thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection of what prayer has looked life in your life. Your loving prayerful presence with your father at the end of his life brought tears to my eyes. It is so powerful to hold a belief that we are steeped in prayer all the time - and it can be as simple as a whisper or a thought, as you point out.
What an awesome privilege you have, Christine, to be with people in their most vulnerable, tender, painful hours, to lead them in prayer, whether spoken or in silence.
And this by Henry Nouwen -->'"The quiet repetition of a single word can help us to descend with the mind into the heart." A wonderful reminder that sometimes simple is best.
I look forward to doing the Substack life with you in the year ahead. I'm so grateful to be able to write alongside you as we make our way forward. Bless you in this Christmas season, friend.
I love Anne Lamott's framework for prayer, so simple and so absolutely on point. And the story of Barry's family was beautiful. I worked as a hospital social worker for 7 years and still miss it very much. Your stories remind me why I loved it. Thanks Christine!
I can only imagine what a caring social worker you were and how many patients and families you blessed in that season! Granted, now you are blessing so many others in different ways!
I pray so many different ways and, like you Christine, I have seen my prayers change over the years. I am more intentional about not showing up with a shopping list for God, rather opening myself to the will of the Divine.
Isn't it great how expansive prayer can be? Things that I never would have considered "prayer" years ago, are now central to my spiritual life. Although occassionally some shopping list items show up still from me!
Thank you, Christine. Centering Prayer has been a regular practice for me since I learned it via Thomas Keating videos at my church in 2006-2007. It has affected me profoundly in many ways, especially (sometimes) being able to hold things in a nondualistic way and seeing more with eyes of love. My practice has deepened over the years with reading and studying with the Center for Action and Comtemplation, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Cynthia Bourgeault, Dr. Barbara Holmes, Brian McLaren, and many others.
I'm so glad to hear what a meaningful practice centering prayer has been for you. And how cool to have learned with all of the greats!
This is such an excellent post, Christine. Maybe it's just the circles I'm in, but I have tried to introduce the practice of centering prayer to various groups. Interestingly, all of the groups, regardless of age, ethnicity, or any other socioeconomic flavor difference that may be found, all suffered from the same malady which you speak of; just the practice of sitting quiet, one word or thought, was nearly impossible for even a short time. All of the participants reported the almost impossible task of quieting the inner voice or having trouble focusing or returning to the holding word. I'm a big fan of Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault so it is a very cherished practice for me. A side effect of living in a privileged society--we have too much to occupy our minds, constantly, at our fingertips. Contemplation is a discipline, truly.
Your experience reminds me of some contemplative prayer practices I taught at my church last year during Lent. Results were mixed! I think it is so counter-cultural to engage this way (especially for heady Presbyterians!) But you are right - discipline is the best workd for it!
Yes, I love Centering prayer! I just led a group through this practice via zoom last week and while 20 minutes felt long (I wondered if everyone would still be there when I opened my eyes!) it was a meaningful experience. Many had never done it before, so it was interesting to have a short time of sharing how the experience was for them. My word that I've used for the last 7 years is rest. I've occasionally tried another word, but this one sticks.
Rest! What a powerful word, especially this time of year! And I'm intrigued by offering Centering Prayer via zoom - I've never done it that way and imagine it could be a unique format when people are both in the comfort of their homes and yet practicing intentionally together.
Prayer for me is any practice that increases my awareness of God. One of my favorite ways to pray is to keep my body as still as I can. Even if my mind is busy, I feel more grounded just by keeping my body still. And often aware of a great Power.
I love your definition of prayer! And keeping the body still as a practice sounds fascinating, I've never thought of that before.
Beautiful insights and story. Even though I'm a landlubber, the word I use is "boat" because of one time years ago. Thank you!
What a great word - that can have so many meanings and metaphor. One of these days I'm planning on writing a post about water - so that one might speak to you as well!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story about Barry’s family. I think this is my sign to read “Help, Thanks, Wow”, I read about it in Rainn Wilson’s book exactly a year ago and thought “I should read that!” And then promptly forgot to do so!
I also loved all the gorgeous artwork in your letter today. Thank you CVD.
I wish I was close enough to Christine to call her CVD!
I can’t claim her! I’m just a sucker for nicknames and abbreviations- I hope she doesn’t mind.
No, I love it!
You have my permission!!
Ah yes, Rainn's book was an interesting one! Ann Lamott is great, she has a few books about prayer and others about life and writing in general.
Thanks for noticing the artwork, it's been fun to discover new artists as I scour the internet for images that captivate me.
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire...unuttered or expressed." (James Montgomery 1818 Hymn) Just the thought of prayer is a prayer. God knows our hearts, better than we think.
At my father's death bed I gave him my love in a good bye prayer: "Dad, I love you now and will love you always. You can go whenever you choose to rest." Prior to my prayer he had wanted every thirty min. or so to know the time...knowing there was an inevitable end but wanting to make sure he was aware of his passage to the next realm. He could not respond by the time I was telling him goodbye, but I think he could hear me.
He was an Episcopal priest and in his lifetime had administered unction and told many people goodbye and comforted their families.
My life was started with prayer and will end with prayer. Every conceivable type of prayer is in my thoughts and words in between. 'God help me' has probably borne more fruit than any other.
I have practiced many kinds of prayer, but sometimes a short phrase or soul whisper from me to the triune God keeps it simple.
Tina, thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection of what prayer has looked life in your life. Your loving prayerful presence with your father at the end of his life brought tears to my eyes. It is so powerful to hold a belief that we are steeped in prayer all the time - and it can be as simple as a whisper or a thought, as you point out.
What an awesome privilege you have, Christine, to be with people in their most vulnerable, tender, painful hours, to lead them in prayer, whether spoken or in silence.
And this by Henry Nouwen -->'"The quiet repetition of a single word can help us to descend with the mind into the heart." A wonderful reminder that sometimes simple is best.
I look forward to doing the Substack life with you in the year ahead. I'm so grateful to be able to write alongside you as we make our way forward. Bless you in this Christmas season, friend.
Thanks Linda for your ongoing support and making this platform such an inspiring community. I hope you had a lovely holiday with your family!
Your work is such a gift.
Thanks Kimberly, that is always my hope as I write.
Enjoyed that story about Barry's family. Sometimes, the moment will guide you to what feels right.
Help Thanks Wow sounds like a good framework.
Thanks! Years later I still think about Barry's family and how they were suprised by that ritual and the power of it.
Thank you, Christine. I have been taken by Cocco's prayer scene. What an amazing image.
That painting was new to me and I too was captivated by it.
It just draws one in. I think it would be a great image for visio Divina.
I love Anne Lamott's framework for prayer, so simple and so absolutely on point. And the story of Barry's family was beautiful. I worked as a hospital social worker for 7 years and still miss it very much. Your stories remind me why I loved it. Thanks Christine!
I can only imagine what a caring social worker you were and how many patients and families you blessed in that season! Granted, now you are blessing so many others in different ways!
I pray so many different ways and, like you Christine, I have seen my prayers change over the years. I am more intentional about not showing up with a shopping list for God, rather opening myself to the will of the Divine.
Thanks for this great essay.
Isn't it great how expansive prayer can be? Things that I never would have considered "prayer" years ago, are now central to my spiritual life. Although occassionally some shopping list items show up still from me!
Prayer is very important to me as a Christian. It can be a constant struggle for me to be Present and Listen more to My creator than to speak.
Thank you.
I am with you, it can be so hard to not chatter away to God and instead listen more intently. Thanks for reading!
Thanks Jeanice, I'm grateful to know it resonated with you!