We often think of our heart as the storehouse of our emotions—big enough to hold love and yet fragile enough to break. The contemplative dimension of the gospel invites us to both deepen and broaden how we define, listen to, and are motivated to action by our heart.

The late priest, author, and theologian Henri Nouwen offers a reminder of what the word heart means within its biblical context. In his book The Way of the Heart, Nouwen writes:

This heart, the heart that Nouwen describes, is the place where God dwells—the place of the divine—within each of us. It is our inmost being.

Contemplative prayer practices help maintain a posture of heart in which we are moved and motivated by the Spirit, and they provide the space to witness what is going on in our interiors. Each practice is characterized by some degree of stillness, silence, and solitude.

In stillness we can discern, in silence we hear, and in solitude we become present to our lives.

The Steps for Centering Prayer

1. Choose a word. This word, called a sacred word, should represent your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within you. Choose a word in prayer by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A word of one or two syllables is best, such as God, Jesus, Abba, Father, love, listen, peace, mercy, let go, faith, or trust. Instead of using a word, you may prefer to notice your breath or to glance inwardly toward God’s presence. Whatever you select, don’t change it during the time of prayer because that would be engaging thoughts.

2. Introduce the word. Sit comfortably and with your eyes closed. Briefly take the time to settle yourself. Then silently, inwardly, introduce the sacred word. [Do this by breathing deeply as you say the word to yourself.]

3. Settle deeply into prayer. Continue to sit quietly, simply resting in God’s presence. As you sit, you may notice sensations in your body, feelings, images, reflections, or other thoughts. As you become aware of these things, gently return to the sacred word.

4. Gently conclude the time of prayer. [I will keep track of the time, and I will let you know when our time of prayer is concluded] At the end of the time of prayer, remain in silence with your eyes closed. [ take your time as you gently transition to your present space.

5. Take some time to reflect on your experience. How was the prayer for you? Are you relaxed? Relieved? Notice what is going on for you in your body, mind and spirit.

6. Listen again to the quotes about silence. Is there anything that catches your attention?]

Reflections on Silence:

“The heart of the Christian spiritual journey is God’s determined will to transmit to us the maximum of divine light, love and happiness that we can possibly receive.” (Thomas Keating)

“Don’t judge centering prayer on the basis of how many thoughts come or how much peace you enjoy. The only way to judge this prayer is by its long-range fruits: whether in daily life you enjoy greater peace, humility, and charity.” (Thomas Keating)

“It is in deep solitude and silence that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brother and sister.” (Thomas Merton)

Uncrowd my heart, oh God

Until Silence speaks

in your still small voice;

turn me from the hearing of words,

and the making of words,

and the confusion of much speaking,

to listening

waiting

stillness

silence.

- Thomas Merton,

This teaching and reflection was adapted by Rev. Dr. Jackie Linden-Schade for one of the interfaith prayer gatherings at Retreat House Spirituality Center. Jackie leads this time of prayer each week for Retreat House. Learn more about Jackie and this work in this blog post Freedom to Explore: Finding Common Ground.

Watch Jackie read the meditation.

This was adapted from this website: faithward.org/centering-prayer-rest-in-god/Centering