What is the practice of Centering Prayer?

I. Definition and Overview

Centering Prayer is often described as a contemplative practice that involves silently focusing on a chosen word or phrase to still the mind and enter a state of inner quiet. Proponents claim that this silence fosters a deeper connection with God. This practice emerged most visibly in the 20th century, building on earlier monastic traditions. In essence, Centering Prayer is offered as a way to intentionally clear one’s thoughts and rest in the presence of God.

Compared to many traditional understandings of biblical meditation, however, Centering Prayer places less emphasis on actively engaging Scripture in the mind and more emphasis on cultivating an interior silence. In contemporary usage, it has become associated with a range of spiritual retreats, spiritual formation programs, and, particularly, certain monastic orders.

II. Historical Background

Throughout church history, the Christian tradition has recognized meditative prayer forms. Writings from early monastics (sometimes called the “Desert Fathers and Mothers”) emphasized solitude and prayer, though with a strong biblical foundation—an intentional pondering of Scripture and the person of Christ. In modern times, Centering Prayer was developed under the guidance of monastic figures such as Thomas Keating and others who drew connections between historic monastic practices and more contemplative approaches. Their works popularized the idea of maintaining a “sacred word” to center one’s focus, repeating that word when the mind wanders.

However, the widespread adoption of this specific practice only gained momentum in the later 20th century. Books, workshops, and retreats dedicated to Centering Prayer have proliferated, often appealing to those seeking an “inner stillness” as part of personal spiritual growth.

III. Distinguishing Centering Prayer from Biblical Meditation

Biblical meditation, according to many passages of Scripture, involves actively focusing on God’s revealed Word. The psalmist, for example, proclaims, “I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:12). The concept is of deeply pondering truths contained in Scripture. In Joshua 1:8, the command is to keep the Law always on one’s lips and “meditate on it day and night.”

In contrast, Centering Prayer often encourages letting go of thoughts, including biblical ones, to quiet the mind. While some see this practice as complementary to scriptural meditation, others raise concerns about a lack of distinctively biblical content directing the mind during prayer. Instead of explicitly reflecting on Scripture’s truths, the focus in Centering Prayer is maintaining silent awareness and returning to a chosen word whenever distractions arise.

IV. Key Components and Method

1. Sacred Word or Phrase: Many practitioners select a brief word or phrase—often something like “love,” “Jesus,” or “peace”—to help bring attention back to silence when thoughts intrude.

2. Posture and Silence: The individual often chooses a comfortable posture and seeks a place of minimal distraction, dedicating 20 minutes or more to solitude.

3. Awareness of Thoughts: Upon noticing a thought, emotion, or mental image, the participant gently returns to the appointed “sacred word.”

4. Resting in Silence: Advocates of Centering Prayer assert that this practice allows the believer to rest in God’s presence beyond discursive thoughts.

V. Biblical References about Prayer and Meditation

Scripture encourages constant communion with God but explicitly ties prayer and contemplation to His Word and works:

• Matthew 6:7 teaches: “And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.” This verse underscores sincerity in prayer rather than repetitiveness or empty phrases.

• Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” This guidance to “be still” can indicate dependence on God’s sovereignty and reverence for His majesty, rather than practicing a technique merely to quiet the mind.

• Philippians 4:6–7 reads, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Here the call is to bring requests to God rather than simply empty the mind.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts believers to “pray without ceasing,” signifying persistent communion with God.

In these passages, engagement with God, gratitude, and the content of prayer remain vitally important. The Bible does point to quietness and trust but typically within a framework of focusing on God’s truth and character.

VI. Potential Concerns and Considerations

1. Biblical Foundation: Critics argue that Centering Prayer may minimize the formative role Scripture should play in prayer. If the practice is completely detached from biblical content, believers might find themselves adrift from divinely revealed truths.

2. The Nature of Eastern Influences: Some note similarities between Centering Prayer and Eastern meditative disciplines (e.g., mindfulness or transcendental meditation). While all forms of quiet reflection are not inherently wrong, the emphasis on emptying the mind to access the “divine within” can conflict with scriptural teachings about the depravity of the unregenerate heart (cf. Jeremiah 17:9).

3. Replacing Relationship with Technique: A mechanical or technique-driven approach can reduce prayer to a method rather than a heartfelt conversation with the living God who has revealed Himself in Scripture and through Christ.

4. Historical Context: Traditional Christian mysticism was often combined with Scripture reading (Lectio Divina). While Centering Prayer proponents sometimes mention Lectio Divina, some critics worry that the biblical element is not always emphasized.

VII. Alternative Biblical Approaches to Contemplation

1. Meditation on Scripture: Devoting time to quietly read, study, and dwell on a passage of Scripture. This aligns with Psalm 1:2, where the righteous person is described as one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.”

2. Prayerful Reflection: Combine prayer with Bible reading, reflecting on how passages showcase God’s attributes or guiding principles. Journaling can help keep thoughts centered on biblical truth.

3. Focused Adoration: Direct prayer with praise, thanksgiving, and adoration for God’s son, Jesus Christ, regularly returns the heart to the reality of who He is. This fosters deeper relationship rather than relying solely on mental silence.

4. Corporate and Individual Prayer: Engaging in congregational prayer sustains unity and helps guard believers from overly subjective practices. Personal prayer remains crucial, yet balanced by fellowship and the counsel of the wider Christian community.

VIII. Conclusion

Centering Prayer is a modern contemplative practice that seeks to quiet the mind and rest in silence. While it has roots in monastic traditions, it has become a distinct movement in recent decades. Supporters maintain that it offers a path to spiritual stillness, but others raise valid concerns about its lesser emphasis on Scripture, its resemblance to certain Eastern meditative practices, and its potential to become a technique rather than a relational dialogue with the Creator.

Ultimately, Scripture itself consistently links effective prayer to a heart posture shaped by God’s revealed Word. Far from merely emptying the mind, biblical prayer aims to fill the heart and mind with the truth of God—knowing Him, relying on His Word, and seeking His will. Thus, those considering Centering Prayer may wish to ensure that their contemplative practice aligns tightly with Scripture, grounded in a prayerful desire to know and glorify the living God.