Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the Centering Prayer Method:
Preparation:
- Setting: Find a quiet space free from distractions where you can sit comfortably and be alert.
- Scripture: Choose a short passage or verse that resonates with you and has personal significance. This will become your sacred word or phrase for the centering prayer.
- Posture: Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and hands resting in your lap. Close your eyes gently.
Centering Prayer with Scripture:
- Intention: Begin by setting your intention to be open to God’s presence and action within you. Silently express your desire to connect with Him through the chosen scripture.
- Sacred Word: Introduce the chosen scripture passage or verse as your sacred word. It can be a single word, a short phrase, or even the entire verse itself.
- Consent: Silently consent to God’s presence and action within you. Let go of any expectations or agendas, simply opening yourself to receive His grace.
- Silence: Gently repeat your sacred word or phrase inwardly as you enter into silence. Whenever thoughts, feelings, or distractions arise, simply acknowledge them and gently return to your sacred word.
- Resting in God: Continue to repeat your sacred word, allowing it to lead you deeper into God’s presence. Rest in His love and peace, letting go of all striving and simply being with Him.
Closing:
- Transition: When your prayer time is complete, gently open your eyes and remain in silence for a few moments.
- Reflection: Take some time to journal about your experience. What did you notice during your prayer? Did any insights or feelings arise?
- Integration: Consider how you can carry the fruits of your prayer into your daily life. How might the chosen scripture guide your thoughts, words, and actions?
Example:
Let’s say you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a reminder of God’s peace. You choose the verse “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27) as your sacred word.
During your centering prayer, you gently repeat this phrase, letting go of any thoughts about your worries or anxieties. You focus on the words “peace” and “give,” allowing them to sink into your heart. As distractions arise, you gently return to the phrase, trusting in God’s promise of peace.
Afterward, you might journal about the sense of calm you experienced during your prayer and how you can carry that peace with you throughout the day. You might also commit to repeating the verse whenever you feel overwhelmed, reminding yourself of God’s gift of peace.
Remember:
- Centering prayer is a practice of surrender and receptivity. It’s not about achieving a certain state or having a particular experience.
- The sacred word acts as a gentle anchor, helping you to let go of thoughts and distractions and focus on God’s presence.
- Be patient and consistent with your practice. The fruits of centering prayer often unfold gradually over time.
By incorporating this method into your contemplative scripture reading, you can deepen your relationship with God, experience His peace, and allow His Word to transform your heart and mind.
Here are 10 scripture passages suitable for centering prayer, each with a brief explanation of their potential focus for contemplative reflection:
- Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Focus: Surrender and trust in God’s sovereignty.
- Contemplative reflection: Letting go of anxieties and worries, resting in God’s presence and power.
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Focus: Prioritizing God’s will and trusting in His provision.
- Contemplative reflection: Letting go of worldly concerns and aligning your heart with God’s desires.
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Focus: Receiving God’s peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
- Contemplative reflection: Letting go of fear and anxiety, opening yourself to the peace that only Christ can give.
- Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Focus: Bringing your anxieties to God in prayer and trusting in His peace.
- Contemplative reflection: Letting go of worries and concerns, surrendering them to God and receiving His peace.
- Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
- Focus: Inviting God’s examination and guidance.
- Contemplative reflection: Opening yourself to God’s scrutiny, seeking His transformative work in your heart.
- Isaiah 43:1: “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
- Focus: Resting in God’s love and ownership.
- Contemplative reflection: Recognizing your identity as God’s beloved child, letting go of insecurities and fears.
- Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Focus: Trusting in God’s unwavering love.
- Contemplative reflection: Resting in the assurance of God’s love, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Focus: Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
- Contemplative reflection: Opening yourself to the Holy Spirit’s transformative work, allowing Him to produce His fruit in you.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
- Focus: Centering your life on love.
- Contemplative reflection: Letting go of striving and focusing on cultivating love for God and others.
- “Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22)
- Focus: Longing for Christ’s return and the fullness of His kingdom.
- Contemplative reflection: Cultivating a sense of hopeful expectation, living in light of Christ’s promised return.
Remember:
- The chosen passage should resonate with you and offer a focal point for your contemplative prayer.
- The goal is to let go of thoughts and distractions and simply be present with God.
- Be patient and consistent in your practice, trusting that God will meet you in the silence.
By incorporating these passages into your centering prayer practice, you can deepen your relationship with God, experience His peace, and allow His Word to transform your heart and mind.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Contemplative Scripture Prayer Page
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post