Is centering prayer the same as mindfulness meditation?

No. While both involve sitting in silence, the intention is different. Mindfulness aims to cultivate awareness of the present moment. Centering Prayer aims to consent to God's presence and action. The sacred word is not a focus object but a symbol of relationship with a personal God. The theological grounding is distinctly Christian.

What if I fall asleep?

It happens, especially at first. Sitting upright rather than reclining helps. If you consistently fall asleep, try a different time of day when you are more alert. Some practitioners say that falling asleep in centering prayer is simply your body catching up on rest it needs, and that God can work even then.

How long before I notice results?

Thomas Keating recommended committing to the practice for at least three months before evaluating it. The fruits of centering prayer are typically subtle: greater interior peace, less reactivity to stress, a deeper awareness of God throughout the day, and a growing capacity for compassion. These changes are often noticed by others before you see them in yourself.

Do I need a spiritual director for centering prayer?

It is not required, but having a spiritual director or experienced practitioner to consult can be very helpful, especially when you encounter challenges like persistent restlessness, uncomfortable emotions surfacing, or uncertainty about the practice. Many churches and retreat centers offer centering prayer groups.

Can centering prayer replace other forms of prayer?

No. Thomas Keating taught that centering prayer should supplement, not replace, other forms of prayer. Active prayer (spoken petitions, liturgical prayer, Scripture reading) and contemplative prayer (centering prayer) work together to create a balanced prayer life.

Is centering prayer safe?

Centering Prayer is rooted in centuries of Christian contemplative tradition and is practiced by many Catholic and Protestant communities. Some Christians, particularly in certain Evangelical and Orthodox circles, raise concerns about its similarity to non-Christian meditation techniques. The key distinction is that Centering Prayer is explicitly oriented toward the Christian God and grounded in a relationship with Christ. If you experience anxiety or distress during silence, reduce the time and consult a spiritual director. Some people find that suppressed emotions surface during contemplative practice, which is a normal part of healing.

All TraditionsIntermediate

How to Practice Centering Prayer

A contemplative prayer method rooted in the Christian mystical tradition

Pray FocusJune 20, 202620 min

Centering Prayer is a method of silent, contemplative prayer developed by three Trappist monks: Thomas Keating, William Meninger, and Basil Pennington in the 1970s. It draws on the 14th-century spiritual classic "The Cloud of Unknowing" and the broader Christian contemplative tradition going back to the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

The practice is simple in concept but challenging in execution. You choose a sacred word (such as "Jesus," "God," "mercy," "peace," or "love"), sit in silence for 20 minutes, and gently return to the sacred word whenever you notice you are engaged with thoughts. The goal is not to empty your mind but to consent to God's presence and action within you.

Centering Prayer is not the same as Eastern meditation. It is rooted in the Christian understanding that God dwells within us and that we can deepen our relationship with Him by moving beyond words and thoughts into silent receptivity. It complements active forms of prayer rather than replacing them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Choose a sacred word

Select a word of one or two syllables that symbolizes your intention to consent to God's presence and action within. Common sacred words include: God, Jesus, Abba, Love, Mercy, Peace, Trust, Listen, or Spirit. The word is not a mantra to repeat continuously; it is a symbol of your intention that you return to gently when you notice your mind has wandered. Choose the word at the beginning and do not change it during the prayer period.

Settle into silence

Sit comfortably in a chair with your back straight and your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body. Silently introduce the sacred word as a gentle symbol of your consent to God's presence. Let go of all expectations about what will happen. The goal is not to achieve a particular experience but to be available to God.

Return gently to the sacred word

Thoughts will come. This is completely normal and expected. You may think about your to-do list, a conversation, a worry, a memory, or even deep spiritual insights. When you realize you are engaged with a thought, gently return to the sacred word. Do not fight the thoughts or get frustrated with yourself. The act of gently returning is the prayer. Thomas Keating described four R's to remember: Resist no thought, Retain no thought, React to no thought, Return ever so gently to the sacred word. You may need to return to the sacred word hundreds of times in a single session. That is fine. Each return is an act of consenting to God.

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