Centering prayer in daily life and ministry
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Centering prayer in daily life and ministry
The practical guidance offered in *Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry* moves beyond abstract theological discourse, grounding the reader in the concrete steps of cultivating interior silence. Keating and Pennington's strength lies in their accessible articulation of a practice that can easily be misunderstood as passive or even empty. Their explanation of the "prayer of consent" as an active affirmation of God's presence, rather than a mere cessation of activity, is particularly illuminating. However, the book occasionally suffers from a certain repetition, as the core tenets are revisited across different sections. While necessary for reinforcement, it can feel slightly redundant for readers already familiar with contemplative disciplines. The section detailing the use of a "sacred word" is a standout, offering a nuanced approach to maintaining intention without falling into the trap of mental manipulation. It is a functional manual for deepening one's prayer life.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry, first published in 1997 by Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington, presents a method of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. It is not about thinking *about* God, but about resting in God's presence. The book outlines a practice designed to facilitate a deeper connection with the divine through silence and receptivity. It explains the "prayer of consent" as a way to open oneself to God's action in the present moment, moving beyond discursive prayer or emotional states.
### Who It's For This work is intended for individuals seeking a more direct, interior experience of prayer, particularly those within Christian contemplative traditions who find traditional methods insufficient for cultivating inner stillness. It appeals to clergy, spiritual directors, and laypeople alike who wish to integrate contemplative practice into their active lives and ministries. Those struggling with the busyness of modern life or seeking a path to spiritual growth beyond intellectual study will find resonance here.
### Historical Context The book emerged from the "Centering Prayer movement" which gained traction in the latter half of the 20th century, seeking to reintroduce ancient contemplative practices into contemporary Christian life. Keating and Pennington were key figures in this movement, drawing heavily on historical figures like the author of *The Cloud of Unknowing* and earlier Christian mystics. This revival coincided with a broader interest in meditation and contemplative practices across various spiritual traditions, offering a Christian anchor for those exploring interiority.
### Key Concepts The core concept is the "prayer of intention" and "prayer of consent," where the practitioner commits to a time of prayer with the intention of being with God and consents to God's presence and action. This involves a "sacred word" used as a simple anchor, not for focus, but to return to the intention of presence when the mind wanders. The practice emphasizes letting go of thoughts, feelings, and sensations, allowing for a deepening of interior silence and a passive reception of divine grace. It is presented as a "prayer of letting go."
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the specific "prayer of consent" technique, a method for opening oneself to God's presence beyond discursive thought, as articulated by Thomas Keating. • Understand the historical roots of Centering Prayer within Christian mysticism, particularly its connection to 14th-century contemplative writings, offering a grounded lineage. • Discover practical methods for integrating silent prayer into daily routines and ministry work, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for spiritual awareness.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "sacred word" in Centering Prayer?
The "sacred word" in Centering Prayer, as described by Keating and Pennington, is a single word used as a gentle reminder of one's intention to be present to God. It is not meant for repetitive chanting or mental focus, but rather as a simple way to return to the prayer of consent when the mind drifts.
How does Centering Prayer differ from meditation?
While both involve stillness, Centering Prayer is specifically a Christian practice aimed at fostering a direct relationship with God, focusing on the "prayer of consent" to divine presence. Meditation can encompass a broader range of goals and techniques across various traditions.
Can Centering Prayer be practiced by non-Christians?
The book presents Centering Prayer within a Christian framework, emphasizing consent to God's presence. While the practice of silent waiting can be adapted, its theological underpinnings are Christian, as developed by Keating and Pennington.
What is the role of the "prayer of intention"?
The "prayer of intention" is the initial commitment to engage in Centering Prayer, signifying a desire to be with God. This intention is then affirmed through the "prayer of consent" throughout the practice.
When was Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry first published?
Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry was first published in 1997, authored by Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington, contributing to the popularization of the Centering Prayer movement.
Is this book suitable for beginners in contemplative prayer?
Yes, the book offers a foundational explanation of Centering Prayer, detailing the "prayer of consent" and the use of a sacred word, making it accessible for those new to this form of contemplative practice.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Prayer of Consent
This central theme revolves around actively consenting to God's presence and action within oneself, moving beyond the need for active thought or emotional engagement. It's presented as a fundamental posture of receptivity, where the practitioner yields to the divine indwelling. Keating and Pennington emphasize that this consent is not a passive waiting but an active opening, a willingness to be present to God in the unfolding moment, distinguishing it from mere relaxation or mental quietude.
Interior Silence
The book champions the cultivation of interior silence as the fertile ground for spiritual growth. This silence is not an absence of sound, but a quieting of the internal chatter, the incessant stream of thoughts, emotions, and desires that typically occupy the mind. By letting go of these distractions, the practitioner creates space for a deeper, more direct experience of God's presence, fostering a profound sense of peace and centeredness.
Daily Life Integration
A significant theme is the practical application of Centering Prayer beyond formal periods of sitting. Keating and Pennington advocate for carrying the spirit of contemplative presence into everyday activities and ministry. This involves maintaining an underlying awareness of God's presence throughout the day, transforming mundane tasks and interactions into opportunities for spiritual communion and deepening one's connection to the divine in action.
Letting Go
The practice is characterized by a process of 'letting go' – releasing thoughts, feelings, and even spiritual consolations that can become obstacles to encountering God directly. This theme underscores the path of detachment from ego-driven desires and mental constructs, creating a space of humility and openness. It's about surrendering the need to control one's spiritual experience in favor of a more authentic encounter with the divine.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The prayer of consent is the prayer of letting go.”
— This concise statement captures the essence of Centering Prayer as presented by Keating and Pennington. It highlights that the practice involves a surrender of the self's usual striving and control, allowing for a passive reception of God's presence. It's an active willingness to allow God to be God within.
“Centering Prayer is an introduction to the living presence of God.”
— This interpretation emphasizes the experiential nature of the practice. It's not merely an intellectual exercise or a set of rules, but a method designed to facilitate a direct, felt sense of God's immediate presence in one's life, fostering a deep and personal relationship.
“The sacred word is a symbol of faith.”
— The sacred word, when used in Centering Prayer, serves as a gentle anchor, representing the practitioner's faith and commitment to the prayer. It's not a mantra to be focused on intensely, but a simple reminder of the intention to be present to God's presence.
“We are going into the deep interior of the self.”
— This phrase points to the inward journey that Centering Prayer facilitates. It's about moving beyond the superficial layers of consciousness to access a deeper, more profound spiritual dimension within, where one can encounter the divine.
“The practice involves a commitment to a specific time for prayer.”
— This highlights the disciplined aspect of Centering Prayer. While it aims for continuous presence, the book stresses the importance of setting aside dedicated time, reinforcing the intention and commitment to the practice as outlined by Keating and Pennington.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work is firmly rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, specifically within the lineage of Christian mysticism that emphasizes direct, unmediated experience of God. While not typically categorized alongside Hermeticism or Kabbalah, its focus on interior silence, letting go, and the direct apprehension of the divine aligns with broader esoteric principles of inner transformation and the pursuit of gnosis (direct spiritual knowledge) within a Western framework. It represents a re-articulation of ancient mystical paths for a modern audience.
Symbolism
While the book is largely practical and experiential, the "sacred word" can be seen as a symbol. It represents the practitioner's intention and faith, a simple point of return that signifies surrender to the divine presence without becoming an object of fixation. The concept of the "interior castle," implied by the journey inward, also functions symbolically, representing the soul's layered depths where God's presence is discovered, echoing themes found in Teresa of Ávila's work.
Modern Relevance
The principles of Centering Prayer, as articulated by Keating and Pennington, continue to influence contemporary spiritual directors, chaplains, and mindfulness practitioners seeking a contemplative dimension within their work. Schools and organizations focused on contemplative education and interfaith dialogue often reference Keating's work. Its emphasis on silence and presence resonates with modern therapeutic approaches and the growing interest in non-dual awareness, albeit framed within a distinctively Christian context.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a structured method for deepening their Christian prayer life beyond discursive thought, who will learn the specific techniques of the "prayer of consent." • Clergy, spiritual directors, and counselors looking for resources to guide others in contemplative practice, gaining insights into fostering interior silence and presence. • Those feeling spiritually disconnected or overwhelmed by secular life, who will find a practical path to inner stillness and a more direct experience of the divine.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1997, *Centering Prayer in Daily Life and Ministry* emerged from the fertile ground of the late 20th-century contemplative revival. Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington were central figures in the Centering Prayer movement, which sought to make ancient Christian contemplative practices accessible to contemporary Christians. This movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 80s, offering an alternative to the increasingly secularized spiritual landscape and a Christian path for those seeking interiority, alongside the growing popular interest in Eastern meditation techniques. The book drew heavily on historical Christian mystics, such as the anonymous author of *The Cloud of Unknowing* (c. 1375), and earlier Desert Fathers and Mothers. Its emphasis on a non-discursive, experiential prayer contrasted with prevailing forms of devotionalism and intellectualized faith. While embraced by many within Catholic and other mainline Protestant traditions, the movement also faced occasional critiques from those who felt it deviated from traditional liturgical prayer or was too easily confused with non-Christian practices.
📔 Journal Prompts
The intention and consent in Centering Prayer: how do they manifest in your daily actions?
Reflecting on the use of a sacred word: what qualities does your chosen word embody?
The practice of "letting go": identify one persistent thought pattern you wish to release.
Cultivating interior silence: what external distractions hinder your practice most significantly?
Integrating the prayer of consent into ministry: how can presence inform your interactions?
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal practice of Christian contemplative prayer, developed by Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington, designed to foster a deeper, more direct relationship with God through silence and receptivity. It is a "prayer of consent" to God's presence.
Prayer of Consent
The active willingness to allow God's presence and action within oneself during Centering Prayer. It signifies an opening and surrender to the divine, moving beyond discursive thought or emotional states.
Sacred Word
A single word chosen by the practitioner to serve as a gentle reminder of the intention to be present to God during Centering Prayer. It is not a mantra but a simple signal to return to the prayer.
Prayer of Intention
The initial commitment to engage in Centering Prayer, establishing the desire to be with God. This sets the stage for the ongoing "prayer of consent."
Interior Silence
A state of mental and emotional quietude achieved through Centering Prayer, where the usual stream of thoughts and distractions is calmed, allowing for a deeper awareness of God's presence.
Discursive Prayer
A form of prayer that involves reasoning, reflection, and the use of words and thoughts to engage with God. Centering Prayer aims to move beyond this to a more direct experience.
Contemplative Prayer
A form of prayer focused on experiencing God's presence directly, often characterized by silence, stillness, and receptivity, as opposed to actively thinking or speaking about God.
