Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer
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Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer
Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God" is a lucid exposition of Centering Prayer, a practice he was instrumental in popularizing. Its strength lies in its unadorned clarity, presenting a path of spiritual surrender without the obfuscation often found in mystical texts. Keating’s explanation of the "sacred word" as a gentle signal of intention, rather than a focus, is particularly helpful for demystifying the process. However, the book occasionally feels repetitive, reiterating the core tenets of letting go and consent across multiple chapters. While the 2009 publication date places it within a modern context, its roots in "The Cloud of Unknowing" and the broader Christian contemplative tradition are its most compelling anchors. For those seeking a grounded introduction to a contemplative Christian path, it offers a valuable, if somewhat narrowly focused, perspective.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Intimacy with God offers a practical guide to Centering Prayer, a contemplative practice designed to foster a direct, unmediated encounter with the Divine. Thomas Keating presents this method not as a technique to be mastered, but as an opening to God's presence already within. The book outlines the basic posture, intention, and "sacred word" approach, emphasizing surrender and receptivity over effort or spiritual achievement. It functions as an accessible entry point for individuals seeking a deeper, interior prayer life beyond discursive methods.
### Who It's For This work is intended for individuals grappling with the limitations of conventional prayer, those feeling a spiritual dryness, or anyone seeking a more profound connection with God that transcends intellectualization. It appeals to both seasoned contemplatives looking to refine their practice and beginners curious about contemplative traditions. Those interested in Christian mysticism, interfaith dialogue on prayer, or psychological approaches to spiritual growth will find fertile ground here.
### Historical Context First published in 2009, Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God" arrived during a period of renewed interest in contemplative practices within mainstream Christianity, partly as a response to the perceived spiritual void in modern society. Keating, a key figure in the Centering Prayer movement alongside Basil Pennington and William Meninger, drew heavily from the Christian contemplative tradition, particularly the anonymous 14th-century text "The Cloud of Unknowing." This work emerged within a broader landscape of spiritual exploration, where traditions like Transcendental Meditation and Zen Buddhism were also gaining traction, prompting a need for accessible contemplative methods rooted in Western Christian heritage.
### Key Concepts The book introduces Centering Prayer as a "prayer of consent" – a willingness to let go of thoughts and distractions to remain open to God's presence. It highlights the "sacred word" not as a mantra, but as a symbol of intention to relate to God. Another central idea is the "two-eyes" seeing, distinguishing between the "eye of flesh" (ego-consciousness) and the "eye of faith" (divine indwelling). Keating also discusses the "five wounds" of the human condition (emotional compulsivity, intellectual rigidity, physical tension, psychological fragmentation, and spiritual distraction) as areas where divine healing can occur through this practice.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the foundational principles of Centering Prayer, a contemplative method developed in the 1970s by Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and William Meninger, to cultivate a deeper interior relationship with the Divine. • Understand the role of the "sacred word" and the "prayer of consent" as outlined in Keating's work, allowing for a more receptive approach to prayer beyond discursive thought. • Discover how the practice addresses "five wounds" of the human condition, as presented in the text, offering a framework for healing through surrender to God's presence.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Centering Prayer movement discussed in "Intimacy with God"?
The Centering Prayer movement was developed in the 1970s by Trappist monks Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and William Meninger. It draws inspiration from "The Cloud of Unknowing," a 14th-century anonymous text on contemplative prayer.
How does "Intimacy with God" differ from other prayer methods?
Unlike discursive prayer, which involves thoughts and reflections, Centering Prayer focuses on silent receptivity to God's presence. Keating's book emphasizes letting go of thoughts rather than engaging with them, fostering a direct experience of divine intimacy.
What is the purpose of the "sacred word" in Centering Prayer?
The sacred word, as explained by Keating, is not a mantra to be repeated but a gentle symbol of one's intention to relate to God. It serves as a gentle reminder to return to prayer when the mind wanders.
Can "Intimacy with God" be used by people of different Christian denominations?
Yes, while rooted in Christian tradition, the core practice of Centering Prayer focuses on universal aspects of contemplative experience and receptivity to divine presence, making it adaptable for many Christians.
What is the "prayer of consent" mentioned in the book?
The prayer of consent is the fundamental posture of Centering Prayer. It signifies a willingness to let go of one's own thoughts, feelings, and spiritual activities to be present to God's presence and action within.
When was Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God" first published?
Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer" was first published in 2009. It serves as an accessible guide to the contemplative practice he championed.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Prayer of Consent
This central theme posits prayer not as an act of doing, but of consenting. Keating frames Centering Prayer as a "prayer of consent" to God's presence and action within. It involves a willingness to let go of thoughts, emotions, and spiritual activities that distract from this underlying divine indwelling. The book guides the reader to cultivate this passive, receptive stance, moving away from the ego's desire to control or achieve spiritual states, towards a humble opening to the Divine already present. This resonates with mystical traditions emphasizing surrender and divine union over personal effort.
The Sacred Word
Keating explains the "sacred word" in Centering Prayer not as a mantra to be repeated incessantly, but as a gentle symbol of one's intention to relate to God. Its purpose is to serve as a quiet signal, a subtle reminder to return to the prayer of consent when the mind wanders. This concept distinguishes Centering Prayer from other meditative practices that might involve more active vocalization or concentration. The word is chosen to facilitate a return to the contemplative space, acting as an anchor of intention without becoming a focal point itself.
The Five Wounds
The book identifies "five wounds" as common impediments to spiritual progress: emotional compulsivity, intellectual rigidity, physical tension, psychological fragmentation, and spiritual distraction. Keating presents Centering Prayer as a means through which God's healing grace can address these deep-seated patterns. By practicing consent and receptivity, individuals create space for divine intervention, allowing for transformation and integration. This framework provides a psychological and spiritual lens through which the effects of the contemplative practice can be understood and experienced.
The Two-Eyes Seeing
This motif refers to the distinction between ordinary human perception and a deeper, faith-based awareness. The "eye of flesh" represents the ego-driven, limited perspective bound by sensory experience and personal biases. In contrast, the "eye of faith" signifies the capacity to perceive the reality of God's presence and action in all things, even amidst distractions. Centering Prayer cultivates this latter mode of perception, enabling a more profound and integrated understanding of reality as infused with the Divine.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The prayer we are talking about is the enctype of the Holy Spirit.”
— This interpretation frames Centering Prayer as more than a human endeavor; it is seen as an opening to the divine action of the Holy Spirit. It suggests that the practice facilitates a divine indwelling and a transformation initiated by God, rather than being solely a result of human effort or technique.
“The sacred word is not a mantra.”
— This clarifies the function of the sacred word within Centering Prayer, differentiating it from practices that require repetitive vocalization or focused concentration. It emphasizes the word's role as a gentle symbol of intention, a subtle prompt to return to the prayer of consent.
“It is the function of the Holy Spirit to make us aware of our true identity.”
— This highlights the spiritual and psychological dimension of Centering Prayer. The practice is seen as a conduit for divine revelation, leading individuals to recognize their authentic selves as beloved children of God, beyond the limitations of the ego.
“The goal of Centering Prayer is not to achieve spiritual states, but to be open to God.”
— This principle underscores the non-striving nature of Centering Prayer. It contrasts with performance-oriented approaches to spirituality, emphasizing surrender and receptivity over the pursuit of specific feelings or experiences, thereby fostering a more authentic relationship with the Divine.
“The practice is a way of letting go.”
— This concisely captures the essence of Centering Prayer. It describes the core action involved: releasing thoughts, distractions, and the ego's control to create space for divine presence. It speaks to the surrender inherent in the contemplative path.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work belongs to the lineage of Christian mysticism, specifically within the contemplative prayer movement. While not overtly 'esoteric' in the sense of Hermeticism or Kabbalah, it engages with the inner dimensions of faith, aiming for direct, unmediated experience of the Divine. It represents a recovery and adaptation of ancient contemplative methods, emphasizing the immanent presence of God within the individual, a concept explored in various mystical traditions across different religions. Keating's approach seeks to democratize contemplative practice, making it accessible beyond monastic cloisters.
Symbolism
The "sacred word" functions as a subtle symbol of intention, a gentle anchor to the practice of consent, rather than a complex icon. "The Cloud of Unknowing," referenced implicitly and explicitly, symbolizes the apophatic path – the approach to God through negation and unknowing, transcending conceptualization. The "five wounds" can be seen as symbolic representations of the human condition's brokenness, areas where divine healing is sought through the surrender inherent in Centering Prayer.
Modern Relevance
Keating's work remains highly relevant for contemporary spiritual seekers interested in contemplative Christianity. It influences modern spiritual directors, retreat centers, and "The Contemplative Society" founded by Keating. His methods are often discussed alongside mindfulness and other meditation practices, highlighting the enduring human quest for inner peace and divine connection. The emphasis on interiority and surrender continues to appeal to those disillusioned with purely external or intellectual approaches to spirituality.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a structured yet simple method for deepening their prayer life beyond discursive thought, particularly those drawn to Christian contemplative traditions. • Practitioners of other meditation or mindfulness techniques who are interested in exploring a contemplative path rooted in Western Christian mysticism. • Spiritual directors and clergy looking for accessible resources to guide congregants toward a more profound experience of God's presence.
📜 Historical Context
Thomas Keating's "Intimacy with God," published in 2009, emerged from a revitalized interest in Christian contemplative traditions that gained momentum throughout the late 20th century. Keating, alongside figures like Basil Pennington and William Meninger, was a pivotal architect of the Centering Prayer movement, which explicitly sought to reintroduce a form of silent, interior prayer rooted in the Christian mystical heritage. This movement found particular resonance in the wake of Vatican II and amidst a broader cultural search for deeper spiritual meaning, often in contrast to the perceived secularism and materialism of the era. Keating directly drew inspiration from the 14th-century anonymous work, "The Cloud of Unknowing," adapting its principles for contemporary practice. The book's publication occurred during a period when interfaith dialogue was flourishing, and contemplative practices from various traditions, including Zen and Transcendental Meditation, were becoming more widely known in the West. Centering Prayer offered a distinctively Christian path that, while rooted in ancient practices, provided an accessible method for modern adherents seeking direct experience of God's presence, standing apart from more academically focused theological discourse or evangelical approaches.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on the "prayer of consent" as presented by Keating. How does this differ from your usual approach to prayer?
Consider the "sacred word" as a symbol of intention. What word might serve this function for you, and why?
Explore the "five wounds" in relation to your own spiritual journey. Where do you feel divine healing is most needed?
Contemplate the concept of "two-eyes seeing." How can this perspective shift your daily perceptions?
How does the idea of "letting go" in Centering Prayer challenge your desire for spiritual control?
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal prayer practice developed by Thomas Keating and others, intended to foster a deepening of the faculty of faith through a "prayer of consent" to God's presence and action within.
Prayer of Consent
The fundamental posture of Centering Prayer, signifying a willingness to let go of thoughts and distractions to remain open to God's presence and grace.
Sacred Word
A word chosen to symbolize one's intention to relate to God in Centering Prayer. It serves as a gentle reminder to return to the prayer of consent when the mind wanders.
The Cloud of Unknowing
An anonymous 14th-century English mystical text that heavily influenced the development of Centering Prayer, advocating for a path of unknowing and direct experience of God.
Five Wounds
Keating's categorization of common human impediments to spiritual progress: emotional compulsivity, intellectual rigidity, physical tension, psychological fragmentation, and spiritual distraction.
Two-Eyes Seeing
A conceptual distinction between ordinary, ego-driven perception ('eye of flesh') and a deeper, faith-based awareness of divine reality ('eye of faith').
Apophatic Prayer
A spiritual approach that seeks to approach God through negation, emphasizing what God is not, rather than through positive affirmations or conceptual descriptions.
