In our bustling, fast paced world, it can be easy to lose touch with the quiet, sacred spaces within ourselves. Yet, in these moments of stillness and reflection, we often find the greatest spiritual nourishment. One ancient Christian practice that has gained renewed popularity in recernt decades is the art of centring prayer-a contemplative approach to connecting with the Divine that has power to tranform our lives profoundly.

The foundation of centring prayer can be traced back to the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian mystics. In the Gospels, we find numerous instances where Jesus retreats to solitary places to pray and commune with God. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs his followers, “But when you pray, go imto your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret”. This invitation to enter into the silence and stillness of prayer is echoed throughout the scriptures.

The Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 3rd and 4th centuries such as Anthony the Great and Evagrius Ponticus, also emphasized the importance of contemplaitve prayer snd the cultivation of an interior life. Their teachngs on the practice of “pure prayer” – a state of being where the mind is stilled and the heart is fully present to God – have been instrumental in shaping the modern understanding of centring prayer.

At its core, centring prayer is a method of silent, reflective prayer that allows us to let go of our thoughts and distractions and simply be in the presence of God. Practitioners often begin by choosing a sacred word or phrase, such as “peace” or “love”, which serves as an anchor to gently return the mind when it wanders. The goal is not to acheve a particular state or experience, but to surrender and open oneself to the transformative power of the Divine.

One of the most well-known advocates of centring prayer in recent times is Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk and author who helped revive the ancient practice in the latter half of the 20th century. Keating’s teachings emphasized the importance of letting go of our ego-driven thoughts and desires, allowing us to access the ‘true self’ – the deeper, more authentic part of ourselves aligned with the will of God.

For those who practice centring prayer with dedication and disipline, the rewards can be profound. Many report experiencing a greater sense of inner peace, clarity, and spiritual connection. The practice also helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as it encourages us to step back from the constant stream of thoughts and worries that can so easily consume us.

Additionally, centring prayer has been linked to the development of virtues such as patience, humility, and compassion. As we earn to let go of our agendas and surrender to the presence of God, we become more attuned to the needs of others and better equipped to respond with love and understanding.

In conclusion in a world that often values busyness and productivity above all else, the practice of centring prayer offers a refreshing alternative- a way to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with the Divine and with our true selves. By embracing this stillness and allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace and the profound peace that comes from resting in His love.

God bless you,

NIck x.