With the sometimes heaviness of life and the world around us such as the news, breaking news, family members and the dilemmas of life, it is no wonder we want to run somewhere for a time of peace, quiet and freedom from the commotion of the world.

Thomas Keating, renowned theologian and Trappist Monk because of his desire to advance spiritually and know God more deeply sought to practice a method of prayer to know the Creator of the Universe and himself better. He calls the contemplative prayer practice “centering or centered prayer.” He defines centered prayer as: “…quieting thoughts and feelings in order to experience the presence of God.”

Sounds simple enough. Sometimes however we need to coax ourselves and literally decide to relax and focus inward and on the higher and restorative things of life. We may often desire to recharge our depleted physical energy and calm our emotions. Centering prayer can help us achieve a sense of inner connection with a finer and wholesome transcendent power here within us and in our reach. 

Moreover, Father Keating explains Centering Prayer in his words: “You only keep saying (a) sacred word until you feel that your intention is established in your will. In time you begin to sense when this is the case.” In addition, when using a sacred word, we may softly voice or silently know the holy term.

You and I know sacred words. Choose a sacred word most meaningful to you currently. Perhaps it is ‘grace’ ‘forgiven’ ‘mercy’ ‘love’ ‘loved’ ‘faith’ ‘Jesus’ ‘Christ’ ‘God’ ‘holy.’ The sacred word is our choice and one resonating with us now. Father Keating gives us wise guidance in our prayer times of using a holy word for it helps our concentration upon something light-filled and restorative.

A sacred word can and does open us from within into the ‘contemplation of life from the highest point of view.’ Centering prayer along with the focus on a sacred word cleanses and acts as a transformative quality, lifting us to higher ground, bringing about peaceful emotions and regenerative energy in us. Also sacred words contain and convey finer vibrations of serenity and love, even when known silently. 

This type of prayer experience cannot help but have a positive effect on the immediate place where we are besides a renewed state of inner being within ourselves.