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Centering prayer is an ancient and simple way to center one's life in God's presence. The goal of centering prayer is to dwell in Christ and to bear fruit as we abide and rest in Christ.

How to Practice Centering Prayer

1. 1
   Read a passage of scripture slowly and intentionally
2. 2
   Sit in silence and listen for the Lord through his word
3. 3
   When you get distracted, pick a word that will help you get back to the center of being in the presence of God
4. 4
   Sit in silence for 5-15 minutes
5. 5
   Conclude with the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-14)

The Purpose

This practice helps us dwell in Christ and bear fruit as we abide and rest in him. It's a way to quiet our minds and hearts before God, allowing his presence to fill us and transform us.

Tips for Getting Started

• Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed
• Start with just 5 minutes if 15 feels too long
• Don't worry if your mind wanders - that's normal and expected
• Choose a simple word like 'Jesus', 'peace', or 'love' to help you refocus
• Be patient with yourself as you develop this practice

"The first 1,500 years of church history were characterized by the practice of lectio divina," which is 'divine reading' - it's a way to be immersed in the Holy Scriptures personally.

The Five Parts of Lectio Divina

1. 1
   Prepare (Silencio) - Find a quiet place and settle your heart before God
2. 2
   Read (Lectio) - Read the passage slowly, listening for a word or phrase that stands out
3. 3
   Meditate (Meditatio) - Reflect on the word or phrase that caught your attention
4. 4
   Pray (Oratio) - Talk with God about what He is saying to you through this word
5. 5
   Contemplate (Contemplatio) - Rest in God's presence and listen for His response

Using Lectio Divina with Calling Passages

This practice is especially powerful when exploring God's call on your life. Try using passages like Isaiah 61:1-4, Matthew 28:18-20, or Ephesians 2:8-10.

Read the passage three times slowly, pausing between each reading:

• First reading: What word or phrase stands out to you?
• Second reading: How might God be calling you through this passage?
• Third reading: What is your response to what you've heard?

Tips for Practice

• Choose a short passage (5-10 verses) rather than a long chapter
• Don't worry about 'getting it right' - this is about listening, not analyzing
• If your mind wanders, gently return to the word or phrase that stood out
• Consider journaling after your time of contemplation to capture insights
• Practice regularly - even 10-15 minutes can be transformative