Sitting in God’s Presence
Centering prayer is one of the simplest forms of prayer because it is frequently without words and is structureless. It is sometimes called contemplation and is based on quieting ourselves before the Lord in silence.
In this exercise we simply want to “be with God” and not try to fill the space between us and him with words. In the Western world we have a tendency to intellectualize, analyze, judge, and try to be “in charge” in our spiritual formational times. This comes in direct opposition to the inner movement of centering prayer, which demands the letting go of any effort to be in control and moves into a connection of the heart.
Here is one one way to try Centering Prayer:
1) Choose a sacred word before you begin which will be a symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. (Examples: Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, peace, faith, trust, etc.) Say it to yourself a few times.
2) Then continue sitting quietly, comfortable and relaxed. Close your eyes and let go of what is going on around and within you. In the stillness, become aware of God’s presence; peacefully absorb God’s love.
3) When you become aware of your own thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word (which is a reminder to stay focused on God and not upon yourself).
4) You may want to start with a short amount of time (such as 5 or 10 minutes and then increase it as you choose). At the end of the exercise, remain in silence with eyes closed for an additional minute or two. This will help enable you to bring the atmosphere of silence into daily life.
Ps. 46:10 (NIV) – “Be still and know that I am God.”
Sitting in silence may feel like a waste of time. Nevertheless, when we are silent the Spirit can do the praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs (Rom. 8:26).
