Introduction to Centering Prayer

Introduction to Centering Prayer

• June 10 and June 17
• 10 a.m. to Noon
• In-Person and Zoom

Facilitated by Fr. Garry Richmeier

Centering Prayer is a form of silent prayer rooted in ancient Christian tradition. It is a remarkably simple method, related to meditation, that opens one to God’s gift of contemplative prayer. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God — beyond thoughts, words, and emotions — and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.

This workshop is in two sessions on consecutive Saturdays. The first session will provide an overview of Centering Prayer, you will learn its basics, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences. You will have exercises to practice at home to prepare for the second session, which will do deeper into the practice including a discussion of what participants experienced in the intervening week.

This is an introductory course so you can join even if you have never practiced Centering Prayer. If you seasoned hand at this prayer, you are also invited to join us and deepen your experience.

More about Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is based on a Christian contemplative practice first described in The Cloud of Unknowing, written in the latter half of the 14th Century. It calls one to abandon any consideration of God’s attributes and actions, and to surrender to God’s influence in our lives.

It is a very personal prayer practice but is often practiced in groups. It opens one to God’s infinite love and power to heal, and opens the door to other related prayer practices around forgiveness, and dealing with painful situations and emotions.