Consenting to God as God Is
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Consenting to God as God Is
Keating's "Consenting to God as God Is" offers a clear, if somewhat repetitive, exposition of Centering Prayer. The strength lies in its directness; Keating bypasses ornate theological language for practical instruction on interior prayer. The concept of "consenting to God as God Is" is powerful, suggesting a radical trust and surrender. However, the book's limitation is its singular focus. For readers unfamiliar with contemplative prayer, the initial steps might feel abstract, lacking the illustrative anecdotes or diverse theological grounding found in other mystical texts. The passage describing the "prayer of consent" as an "attitude of openness" effectively captures the essence of the practice, but its practical application requires significant discipline, which the text implies rather than elaborates upon. It serves as a focused manual for a specific path.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Consenting to God as God Is, first published in 2016, is a spiritual work by Thomas Keating. It is not a narrative or a historical account, but rather a guide to a particular form of contemplative prayer and spiritual experience. The book outlines a method for encountering the divine presence through a process of "centering prayer," a practice Keating helped popularize.
### Who It's For This text is intended for individuals seeking a deeper, more direct experience of God beyond intellectual understanding or emotional sentiment. It is particularly suited for those familiar with or curious about contemplative traditions, Christian mysticism, or practices that emphasize inner silence and surrender. Those feeling spiritually stagnant or desiring a more authentic relationship with the divine will find its teachings relevant.
### Historical Context Thomas Keating (1928-2018) was a pivotal figure in the revival of Christian contemplative prayer in the latter half of the 20th century. As a Trappist monk, he co-founded the Center for Contemplative Practice in Colorado. His work on centering prayer emerged within a broader interest in meditation and Eastern spiritual traditions, though Keating firmly rooted his practice within the Christian mystical tradition. The 2016 publication date places it within a period of continued global interest in mindfulness and contemplative practices.
### Key Concepts The book centers on the concept of "consenting to God as God Is," which involves releasing one's egoic control and active thinking to allow for God's presence to be experienced directly. This is achieved through "centering prayer," a method of silent prayer that facilitates this surrender. Another core idea is the "prayer of consent," an ongoing, interior disposition of openness to the divine. Keating also discusses the "sacred word" as a tool for anchoring attention and facilitating the letting go of thoughts.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the practice of "centering prayer" as detailed by Thomas Keating, enabling a direct, non-conceptual encounter with the divine presence, a method distinct from discursive prayer. • Understand the "prayer of consent" as an ongoing disposition of spiritual surrender, fostering a deeper, more authentic relationship with God beyond personal striving. • Gain insight into the use of a "sacred word" as a tool to anchor attention, facilitating the release of thoughts and promoting interior silence, a technique rooted in ancient contemplative traditions.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Centering Prayer according to Thomas Keating?
Centering Prayer, as taught by Thomas Keating, is a method of silent prayer that prepares the individual to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, by consenting to God's presence and action within. It involves a short, sacred word to help let go of thoughts.
When was Thomas Keating's book 'Consenting to God as God Is' first published?
Thomas Keating's book 'Consenting to God as God Is' was first published in 2016, making it a relatively recent articulation of his long-standing contemplative teachings.
What is the core practice described in 'Consenting to God as God Is'?
The core practice is "consenting to God as God Is," which is facilitated through "centering prayer." This involves an interior prayer of commitment, the choice of a "sacred word," and a gentle return to the word when thoughts arise.
How does 'consenting to God' differ from other forms of prayer?
It differs by focusing on an interior disposition of surrender and receptivity rather than active petition or discursive meditation. It aims for a direct experience of God's presence, distinct from intellectual or emotional engagement.
Is 'Consenting to God as God Is' suitable for beginners in spirituality?
It can be, but it is best suited for those already familiar with or actively seeking contemplative practices within the Christian tradition. Beginners might benefit from introductory materials on Centering Prayer before engaging this text.
What is the significance of the 'sacred word' in Keating's method?
The "sacred word" serves as a symbol of the intention to relate to God. It is used to gently let go of thoughts and distractions, anchoring the prayer in silent presence rather than conceptual activity.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Centering Prayer
This practice is the methodological heart of the book. Keating presents it not as a technique for self-improvement, but as a way to facilitate the presence of God. It involves a commitment to God, the selection of a "sacred word," and a gentle return to that word when thoughts intrude. The goal is to move beyond active thinking into a state of receptive prayer, allowing for a direct, consensual encounter with the divine.
Prayer of Consent
This theme emphasizes an ongoing, interior disposition of surrender to God's will and presence. It's an attitude of "yes" to whatever God is doing in the moment, particularly within the context of contemplative prayer. This consent is seen as crucial for spiritual growth, moving the practitioner from self-directed efforts to a life lived in conscious relationship with the divine.
God's Presence
The book focuses on experiencing God's presence directly, rather than through intermediaries like doctrines or emotions. Keating posits that God is always present, but our active minds and egoic defenses often obscure this reality. The practices outlined aim to clear these obstructions, allowing the inherent divine presence to be perceived and consented to.
Letting Go of Thoughts
A central tenet is the necessity of releasing the constant stream of thoughts that occupy the mind. Keating views these thoughts as significant barriers to contemplative experience. The use of the "sacred word" and the practice of returning to it are presented as practical means to disengage from conceptual activity and open to silence.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The prayer of consent is the attitude of the heart saying yes to God.”
— This highlights the active, yet receptive, nature of the prayer. It's not a passive state but a conscious, interior affirmation of openness to God's action, signifying a profound spiritual commitment beyond mere intellectual assent.
“Centering prayer is a meditation of consent.”
— This concisely defines the practice as rooted in a willingness to surrender to divine influence. It frames Centering Prayer not just as a time of quiet, but as a deliberate act of yielding control to a higher power.
“The sacred word is a symbol of your intention to relate to God.”
— This clarifies the function of the sacred word, emphasizing its role as a focal point and reminder of the prayer's purpose. It is a tool to re-center attention on the divine, rather than an object of devotion itself.
“To consent to God is to let God be God.”
— This powerful statement underscores the essence of the teaching: relinquishing one's own limited understanding and control to allow the divine to manifest fully. It speaks to a radical trust and surrender.
“The practice is to let go of the desire for spiritual experiences.”
— This paradoxical instruction points towards detachment from outcomes. True contemplation, Keating suggests, involves surrendering even the desire for specific spiritual consolations, focusing solely on the act of consenting to God's presence.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Keating's work is situated within the Christian mystical tradition, particularly drawing from the contemplative stream often referred to as the "impersonal" or "unitive" path, echoing mystics like Meister Eckhart and the anonymous author of *The Cloud of Unknowing*. While firmly Christian, its emphasis on interior silence, surrender, and direct experience of the divine resonates with broader contemplative and esoteric practices across traditions that seek an unmediated encounter with ultimate reality.
Symbolism
The "sacred word" functions as a primary symbol in Keating's method. It represents the practitioner's intention to relate to God and serves as an anchor, a simple point of return when the mind wanders. Beyond this, the concept of "silence" itself is profoundly symbolic, representing the void or divine unknowing where direct apprehension of God becomes possible, transcending conceptualization and duality.
Modern Relevance
Keating's teachings on Centering Prayer remain highly relevant today. They are foundational for many contemporary Christian contemplative groups and retreats. Furthermore, the principles of mindfulness, surrender, and non-conceptual awareness he espouses have found resonance in secular mindfulness movements and in interfaith dialogue, influencing individuals seeking deeper inner peace and spiritual connection outside traditional religious structures.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Christian contemplatives seeking to deepen their prayer life through a structured method for cultivating interior silence and receptivity to God's presence. • Practitioners of meditation from other traditions interested in understanding a Christian approach to silent prayer and direct divine encounter. • Spiritual seekers feeling disconnected from conventional religious practices who are looking for a way to foster a more intimate and consensual relationship with the divine.
📜 Historical Context
Thomas Keating's work on Centering Prayer emerged within a burgeoning interest in Christian contemplative traditions during the mid-to-late 20th century. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), there was a renewed exploration of mystical paths within Catholicism. Keating, as a Trappist monk, was a key figure in this movement, co-founding the Center for Contemplative Practice in 1984. His teachings offered a structured method for achieving the "prayer of consent," a concept deeply rooted in classical Christian mysticism, notably influenced by figures like the author of *The Cloud of Unknowing* (c. 14th century). Keating's approach gained traction partly as a response to, and partly in dialogue with, the growing popularity of Eastern meditation techniques, providing an explicitly Christian framework for contemplative practice. While not directly engaging with authors like Alan Watts who popularized Eastern thought, Keating's work offered an alternative for Westerners seeking interiority within their own religious heritage.
📔 Journal Prompts
The nature of "consenting to God as God Is" in daily activities.
Experiences with the "sacred word" as an anchor.
Identifying personal obstacles to "letting go of thoughts" during prayer.
The "prayer of consent" as a continuous inner disposition.
Reflections on the distinction between active thinking and receptive presence.
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal prayer practice, originating in the Christian contemplative tradition, designed to facilitate the gift of contemplative prayer by focusing on interior silence and receptivity to God's presence.
Prayer of Consent
An ongoing interior disposition of surrender and openness to God's presence and action, distinct from petitionary or discursive prayer.
Sacred Word
A word chosen by the practitioner to symbolize their intention to relate to God, used as a focal point to gently let go of thoughts during Centering Prayer.
Letting Go
The process of releasing thoughts, distractions, and egoic control during prayer to foster a state of receptive silence and awareness of divine presence.
Divine Presence
The immanent and transcendent reality of God, understood as continually present within the individual, which contemplative prayer aims to experience directly.
Interior Prayer
Prayer that takes place within the inner landscape of the mind and spirit, emphasizing inner disposition and direct experience over external ritual or vocalization.
Consenting to God as God Is
The core principle of allowing God to be present and active in one's life without imposing personal expectations or controls, fostering a radical surrender to divine reality.
