Q: I have been doing Centering Prayer for 6+months now, and have hit a bit of a road block. In reading Cynthia Bourgeault’s book, The Heart of Centering Prayer, and […]
In The Silence
A nippy spring morning in May, Harsh winds and arc-like rains Finally subsided, Overdue cleanups, lengthy lawns, Untilled gardens and untold repairs await. 6 weeks ago we celebrated the Paschal […]
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Explanation of the Contemplative Outreach Symbol
The symbol chosen by Contemplative Outreach is called ‚ÄúJob‚Äôs Redeemer‚ÄîPatient Waiting.‚Äù The heart and soul of Centering Prayer is consenting to God‚Äôs presence and action in our lives. Like Job, […]
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Another Easter . . .
As I read the latest “Voices of the Community” articles from the current Contemplative Outreach e-bulletin, I noticed something I had not seen before . . . one could go […]
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Centering Prayer
Q: I am fairly new to the practice of Centering Prayer. In my Catholic faith I participate weekly in the Adoration of our Lord through the Eucharist. I feel at […]
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“Living Wisdom” – An Appreciation
Contemplative Outreach of Chicago recently launched a new program known as Living Wisdom, to give interested members an opportunity to explore ‚Äúthe wisdom tradition.‚Äù So far, the program has offered […]
Taking a Break From Our Personality
Is humility to look down at others, wear not too lavish clothes, not standing up for yourself? I think that humility is to take a break from our personality and […]
Just Be in the Silence
Q: I’ve been practicing Centering Prayer for about two years. It has helped me in more ways than I could ever express. My question has to do with what happens […]
HORIZON
I look our across fog.Gray ocean meets gray sky,and I think of my young friend,cancer battle in full force,of my struggle to accept. There‚Äôs no line drawnbetween here and there,and […]
Guiding New Practitioners
Q: While debriefing the 20-minute prayer practice as part of the Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, two participants shared experiences about which I would like some advice. One mentioned going in […]
Facilitating a Centering Prayer Support Group
Facilitating is a ministry that empowers people and enables group process. As a ministry, it helps group members to become more aware and more loving. Empowering others in this way is […]
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A Report and Reflections on the Transition Process
[The Governing Board held an in-person meeting January 6-10, 2017and follow-up conference call on January 24, 2017.] Greetings from the Governing Board and the Transition Advisory Team! I write as […]
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Union
I sometimes wonderas I see the early morning frost.Could it be that the blanket of white that covers everything Is compassion?And the sky’s soft glow after sunset is empathy?Could it […]
The Story of the Cloak: A legend Attributed to St. Bridget, Patroness of Ireland, circa 452 – 525
As the story is told, Brigid went to the King of Leinster to tell him she needed land upon which to build a monastery. “You do, you do,” replied the […]
Living in a Religious Vacuum
Q: I have been raised as a Catholic and as a child participated in Eucharist and absorbed many cultural images of God and understandings of the faith. Later in my […]
Falling Asleep in Prayer
Q: I pray daily, at least once a day, using the Centering Prayer method. Sometimes I will fall asleep and then wake myself up abruptly from the dream state I […]
God as Divine Therapist
Q: Fr. Keating, in his book Intimacy with God and elsewhere, develops the idea – the image – of God as Divine Therapist. Yet Fr. Keating also argues that we must […]
Difficulty in Doing a Second Sit
Q: I have had numerous people tell me that they have no difficulty carving space for the first sit of the day, usually in the morning. But once the day […]
Concern About Welcoming Prayer and Passivity
Q: I understand the Welcoming Prayer is about acceptance. But what about change and action? If your boss treats you bad, your doctor ignores your health, if someone threatens your […]
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Centering Prayer: A Closer Walk with Our God
Well, just what is Centering Prayer? Is it OK for a Catholic to engage in this practice? I often hear these, or similar questions asked. Now that I […]
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What are you doing here? A Centering Prayer Reflection
“The Lord said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord,for the Lord is about to pass by.’”– 1 Kings 19: 9,11 The […]
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Using a Vision in Centering Prayer Instead of a Sacred Word
Q: In the last couple of weeks I find that a certain vision of a person with her/his back to me and arms stretched out toward a representation of me […]
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These Annoying Humans!
Q: What the heck is one supposed to do if one just doesn’t like people and humanity? Seemingly making some progress in my practice, desire closer relationship with God, but […]
The Difference Between Quietism & Centering Prayer
Q: How is Centering Prayer distinct from Quietism which was declared a heresy in the 18th Century? A: Webster defines quietism this way: “a system of religious mysticism teaching that […]
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Spiritual Bushwhack
During a recent Centering Prayer retreat at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, I ventured forth on an afternoon hike, scrambling up a steep cliff to check out some rock […]