Centered living
74
Centered living
Pennington’s "Centered Living" offers a clear, unadorned introduction to centering prayer, a practice that gained significant traction from the 1970s onward. Its strength lies in its straightforward presentation of a method that can otherwise seem abstract or intimidating. The 1986 publication date places it within a specific revival of contemplative practice, offering a valuable historical anchor. A particularly effective passage discusses the "prayer of intention," emphasizing that the practice is less about achieving a state and more about a gentle, ongoing consent to God’s presence. However, the book's primary limitation is its singular focus; while excellent for introducing centering prayer, it provides less context on how this specific practice intersects with broader contemplative traditions or offers comparative insights. Despite this, "Centered Living" remains a foundational text for understanding a significant contemporary spiritual discipline.
📝 Description
74
M. Basil Pennington's Centered Living, published in 1986, introduces centering prayer as a path to direct divine experience.
Centered Living, by M. Basil Pennington, details centering prayer, a contemplative method designed for a deeper experience of God. First released in 1986, the book explains how this practice moves beyond mental prayer toward silent, internal communion. Pennington guides readers through the principles and practical steps needed to foster inner peace and a more unified spiritual life. The text is for those seeking to deepen their interior life and find a more genuine connection with the divine, especially those overwhelmed by daily distractions and desiring stillness. It is also suited for practitioners of Christian mysticism and others interested in meditation and mindfulness for spiritual development. The book encourages a shift from intellectual faith to direct spiritual knowing.
Published in the mid-1980s, Centered Living emerged during a resurgence of interest in contemplative spirituality within Western Christianity. This period saw a renewed look at older prayer forms, informed by modern psychology and a critique of superficial religious practices. Pennington's work drew upon mystics like St. John of the Cross and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing. It presented a clear approach to the prayer of silence, a practice that had become less common in mainstream religious life.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn the specific intentions supporting centering prayer, a practice outlined in this 1986 text, enabling a more committed approach to silent contemplation. • You will grasp the concept of the "prayer of intention" as presented by Pennington, understanding that the practice emphasizes surrender over effort, a nuance often missed in secular mindfulness. • You will gain practical guidance on using a "sacred word" as an anchor in silent prayer, a technique detailed in "Centered Living" for gently returning to presence amidst distractions.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of centering prayer as described in "Centered Living"?
The primary goal, as detailed by M. Basil Pennington in "Centered Living," is not to feel something or achieve a specific state, but to foster a deeper, more direct experience of God's presence through silent, interior consent.
When was "Centered Living" by M. Basil Pennington first published?
"Centered Living," a foundational text on centering prayer, was first published in 1986, placing it within a significant revival of contemplative practices in the late 20th century.
What role does a 'sacred word' play in the practice of centering prayer?
According to "Centered Living," a sacred word or short prayer is used as a gentle anchor. It is not to be clung to, but rather to be used as a soft reminder to return to the intention of resting in God's presence when thoughts arise.
Does "Centered Living" discuss the historical roots of centering prayer?
Yes, the book references historical figures and texts that inform centering prayer, such as "The Cloud of Unknowing," indicating its roots in the Christian contemplative tradition and its aim to revive ancient methods.
Is "Centered Living" suitable for beginners in contemplative prayer?
Absolutely. M. Basil Pennington's "Centered Living" is designed as an accessible introduction to centering prayer, clearly explaining its principles and practice for those new to contemplative disciplines.
What distinguishes centering prayer from other forms of meditation?
Unlike some forms of meditation focused on mindfulness or self-awareness, centering prayer, as explained in "Centered Living," is fundamentally an act of faith and consent to the indwelling action of the Holy Spirit.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Prayer of Intention
This theme centers on the conscious decision to engage in centering prayer not as a fleeting activity, but as a commitment to a way of life. Pennington emphasizes that the "prayer of intention" is the foundational commitment to open oneself to God's presence. It's an ongoing surrender, distinct from the discursive prayer of thoughts and words. The book clarifies that this intention is not about forcing an experience but about a gentle, faithful consent, allowing the divine to work within the individual's awareness. This theme underscores the passive yet active nature of the practice, requiring both a decision and a letting go.
Interior Silence and Stillness
A core concept in "Centered Living" is the cultivation of interior silence. This is not merely the absence of external noise but a deliberate quieting of the mind's habitual chatter. Pennington presents centering prayer as a method to achieve this stillness, allowing the practitioner to rest in God's presence. The text explains how the use of a sacred word or phrase serves as a gentle anchor, helping to let go of distracting thoughts without judgment. This pursuit of silence is depicted as a vital pathway to deeper spiritual union and inner peace, moving beyond the superficial distractions of the external world.
Experiential Encounter with the Divine
The book champions an experiential approach to spirituality, moving beyond purely intellectual or emotional engagement with faith. "Centered Living" posits that centering prayer facilitates a direct, personal encounter with the divine presence within. It suggests that through consistent practice, individuals can develop a profound sense of God's immanence, a knowing that transcends conceptual understanding. This theme highlights the transformative potential of silent prayer, promising a richer, more intimate relationship with the sacred that unfolds through surrendered attention rather than active striving.
The Role of the Sacred Word
Pennington details the function of a "sacred word" or short prayer within the centering prayer method. This element is presented not as a mantra to be repeated with intense focus, but as a gentle signal. Its purpose is to serve as a soft reminder of one's intention to be present to God, especially when the mind wanders. The book stresses that the sacred word is not to be clung to or analyzed; rather, it's a tool for returning to the intention of resting in divine presence. This subtle use of a sacred word is crucial for maintaining the practice's non-striving character.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“We must not be discouraged if we find ourselves distracted.”
— This interpretation reflects Pennington's emphasis on non-judgment during centering prayer. It reassures practitioners that distractions are normal and the practice involves gently returning to the intention, rather than striving for an unblemished mental state.
“Centering prayer is a prayer of presence, not of performance.”
— This concept underscores the book's focus on passive reception rather than active doing. It distinguishes centering prayer from techniques aimed at achieving specific results, framing it instead as an openness to God's immediate presence.
“Let the sacred word be your gentle anchor.”
— This interpretation emphasizes the functional role of the sacred word. It serves as a subtle point of return, a soft reminder of the prayer's intention, without demanding intense concentration or becoming an object of fixation.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
The prayer of intention is the consent to let God be God in us.
This paraphrased concept highlights the core of centering prayer as a surrender. It signifies a conscious decision to allow the divine presence to act and transform the individual, moving away from self-directed spiritual efforts towards a receptive stance.
The goal is not to stop thinking, but to let thoughts pass.
This paraphrase captures the essence of managing the mind in centering prayer. It differentiates the practice from thought-stopping techniques, advocating instead for a gentle detachment from discursive thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass without engagement.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While firmly situated within the Christian contemplative tradition, "Centered Living" speaks to broader esoteric principles of interiorization and direct divine apprehension. It aligns with Hermetic ideals of "as above, so below" by focusing on the divine microcosm within the human spirit. The emphasis on a direct, unmediated encounter with the divine echoes Gnostic aspirations for gnosis. The practice of silent prayer and letting go of discursive thought can be seen as a Western analogue to yogic or Buddhist meditative disciplines, seeking inner stillness as a gateway to ultimate reality.
Symbolism
The primary "symbol" in "Centered Living" is the "sacred word." While not a traditional symbol with visual representation, it functions symbolically as an anchor to the divine presence, representing the practitioner's intention and surrender. The concept of "interior silence" itself acts as a symbolic space – the inner sanctuary where direct communion with the divine is possible. This silence symbolizes the void or the unmanifest from which divine presence emerges, a common motif in mystical traditions seeking to move beyond form and concept.
Modern Relevance
The principles outlined in "Centered Living" continue to find relevance in contemporary spiritual and psychological practices. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and other secularized meditation techniques share the goal of quieting the mind, though their ultimate aims differ. Contemporary Christian contemplative authors and practitioners frequently cite Pennington's work. Furthermore, the book's focus on inner peace and presence speaks to individuals working through the high-stress demands of modern life, offering a spiritual framework for cultivating resilience and equanimity.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a structured method for deepening their contemplative prayer life, particularly within a Christian context, will find "Centered Living" an invaluable guide. • Those feeling overwhelmed by the constant mental chatter of daily life and yearning for stillness and interior peace can benefit from Pennington's approach to silent prayer. • Students of comparative mysticism and spirituality exploring different paths to direct divine experience will find this book a key text in understanding 20th-century Christian contemplative revival.
📜 Historical Context
M. Basil Pennington's "Centered Living," published in 1986, emerged during a significant resurgence of interest in Christian contemplative practices. The mid-to-late 20th century witnessed a growing desire for deeper spiritual engagement beyond more conventional forms of worship and prayer. Pennington, alongside Thomas Keating and William Menninger, was instrumental in developing and popularizing Centering Prayer, a method drawing heavily from contemplative traditions like that found in "The Cloud of Unknowing," a 14th-century text. This era also saw a broader cultural shift towards introspection and mindfulness, influenced by Eastern spiritualities, yet Pennington’s work remained firmly rooted in the Christian mystical tradition. While not explicitly engaging in polemics, the approach offered a counterpoint to more activist or intellectually driven forms of faith prevalent at the time, emphasizing direct experience of the divine presence over theological debate or external action. Its reception was largely positive within contemplative circles, providing an accessible entry point for many seeking a silent prayer life.
📔 Journal Prompts
The "prayer of intention" as a daily commitment.
Reflections on the use of your chosen "sacred word."
Experiences of "interior silence" during prayer.
The balance between effort and surrender in spiritual practice.
Recognizing divine presence beyond discursive thought.
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal prayer practice rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, designed to facilitate a deep, direct experience of God's presence through silent consent and letting go of thoughts.
Prayer of Intention
The fundamental commitment to centering prayer, signifying a willingness to open oneself to the indwelling action of God's presence, regardless of emotional or intellectual states.
Sacred Word
A short, chosen word or phrase used in centering prayer as a gentle anchor to return to the intention of resting in God's presence when the mind wanders.
Interior Silence
A state of mental quietude achieved through contemplative practice, characterized by the quieting of discursive thought and an openness to divine presence.
Discursive Prayer
A form of prayer that involves reasoning, meditating on scripture, or vocalizing petitions and reflections; contrasted with the silent, experiential nature of centering prayer.
Consent
In the context of centering prayer, an act of gentle willingness and openness to God's presence and action within, rather than a forceful effort or intellectual agreement.
The Cloud of Unknowing
An anonymous 14th-century English mystical text that profoundly influenced the development of centering prayer, advocating for a love-driven, direct encounter with God beyond concepts.
🔮 Readers Also Liked
Browse all →
More by M. Basil Pennington
All books →
More Free Occult Philosophy Books
View all →
