Contemplative Men
Contemplative Men’s Group
The Contemplative Men’s group meets weekly to share Centering Prayer in a group setting and support one another in our spiritual journeys. Meetings typically begin with twenty minutes of silent prayer, followed by an hour of sharing.
When & Where
Every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. in the Library. All men are welcome. Just show up, introduce yourself, and share as you feel comfortable.
Leader
What is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer is a method of quiet meditation using a single symbolic word as a sign of one's willingness to wait on God and be available to God's presence.
Anyone can start practicing Centering Prayer at any time. The suggestions below from Thomas Keating are designed to deepen and enrich the experience. If twenty minutes is too long for you, start with five. If five minutes is too long, try starting with three.
Centering Prayer in Four Steps
Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and then silently introduce the sacred word.
When engaged with your thoughts (these include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections), gently return to the sacred word.
At the end of the prayer period (appx. 15-20 minutes), remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
Recommended Reading
Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening
Cynthia Bourgeault
Open Mind, Open Heart
Thomas Keating
Learn More
Learn more about Centering Prayer at Contemplative Outreach:
www.contemplativeoutreach.org