Centering Prayer is dangerous!

[Joysong]

Dear Dave,

I’m so relieved that it is becoming clearer to our readers. Contemplation has two different meanings, as we know, and it forms the basis for disagreement if two persons are on opposite poles of terminology.

Are you ready for this one? Conscious that I may completely blow everyone away, I tred lightly on another aspect of contemplation that we fail to grasp in the one-word used so lightly in religious circles. There is a sweet “infused” contemplation, and an arid “infused” contemplation - both supernatural, but the latter type (arid) is so seldom recognized as such.

So we now have the four-fold concept hidden in the one word “contemplation” that speaks in many different ways, and causes so much confusion. Acquired, infused, sweet and arid. I totally agree with you that when people speak about centering prayer, they really mean “acquired” contemplation - they do the work themselves until and unless God intervenes supernaturally and takes them deeper with infused gifts of contemplation.

St. Teresa spoke about this arid contemplation when she wrote about the pain which was full of delight that was her constant companion in the late mansions. God was infusing the dark form of it, and it did bring a suffering which caused her much satisfaction and delight. She could not describe it, nor can one who has experienced it write with any clarity. However, she wrote that it kept her soul company to such a degree that she longed for it to return when her spirit was without it. But, of course, that is impossible, because God is the chief mover. One cannot bring it on any more than one can bring on the sweet form, sometimes called the prayer of quiet.

Always good to chat with you Dave …
and I did not realize Brother Lawrence was beatified last Sunday. Is that what you meant? Halleluiah!

Carole

 

[Auriella]

I don’t mean to seem stupid, but is this ‘centering’ prayer the same as zen meditation? I was of the understanding that Thomas Merton used zen as a way to focus himself on God. I’m Catholic, but I respect other faiths. I also respect buddhism as a philosophy, not a religion. I could be wrong. It’s been known to happen.

 

[DBT]

Joysong:

and I did not realize Brother Lawrence was beatified last Sunday. Is that what you meant? Halleluiah!
Carole

oops! . . . more confusion with terminology

No, I was clothed in the Brown Scapular last week and Lawrence of the Blessed Sacrament is now my name in Carmel (Secular Order of Carmelites - OCDS for those who have no idea what I’m talking about )

But I digress . . .

Dave.

 

[Joysong]

Dave,

Oh my goodness! Congratulations and God’s blessings to you! Clothing is so special, a great beginning of a wonderful journey! I am so happy for you, indeed!

We think alike, dear friend, for my name is Mary Carole of the “Blessed Sacrament.” We seem to share the same spiritual attraction and devotion to the Lord in His holy Sacrament.

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Dear Auriella,

No, zen and centering are two different concepts, but I believe many think they are the same thing and instinctively recoil in justified fear.

There are “centering prayer” groups in my diocese here in PA, and I understand that the person who practices “centering” is one who simply uses this means to draw their heart to God through the use of a “sacred word” which helps keep their mind upon Him, rather than upon extraneous thoughts, even though they be holy ones. One does not even need to use a word, as we have discussed in this thread, for one who is advanced in love, will spontaneously center upon God very often throughout their day. The idea of the word (not “mantra”!) is to help a wandering mind refocus, that’s all.

My objection is that it is taught to anyone at all without respect to their spiritual readiness. Twenty minutes of this, as recommended, is far too long for a beginner, and unless they are drawn by love, it is little more than a dangerous practice. For souls who are properly advanced, there may be no need for a sacred word, for their heart will center on God easily, frequently, with much love and devotion. No one needs to teach them to aspire to God, for their love does so automatically.

While in this state of “centering,” some teach that it is a prelude to infused contemplation. Nonsense! That is where I draw the line, in full concurrence with the Saints’ teachings that it is purely a gift from God, and not all receive it. However, God may and sometimes does grant it while one is in this “acquired” mode of centering.

I hope this helps.

Carole

 

[Auriella]

The level of intelligence exhibited here humbles me. That’s a good thing. Even in the disagreements, I see courtesy extended and not rhetoric for polemics sake. (had to break out the dictionary for that sentence)

I’m outclassed mentally and spiritually here, but as in chess, if I only play with those weaker than myself, I will never improve my game. This forum is a delight to read. Is this where all the ‘smart fellas’ hang?

Thank you all for the privilege of reading your thoughts and making me realize how far I have yet to travel.

Auriella (new kid on the block)

Joysong:

As frequently happens when people converse, usage of terminology and differences in one’s understanding of these words conveyed, gives incorrect ideas to the reader.

Alan wrote in post #22:

Even if not explictly, then contemplation can easily come from sitting quietly in front of the Eucharist in adoration, so I’m pretty open about the method so long as they’ve at least heard of silent prayer, and know that the CCC not only condones it, but says prayer “should” become unitive, and that contemplation is that unity. Other prayer forms are good, but they “should” lead to contemplation.

Originally Posted by CCC

2717 Contemplative prayer is silence, the "symbol of the world to come"or “silent love.” Words in this kind of prayer are not speeches; they are like kindling that feeds the fire of love. In this silence, unbearable to the “outer” man, the Father speaks to us his incarnate Word, who suffered, died, and rose; in this silence the Spirit of adoption enables us to share in the prayer of Jesus.

2718 Contemplative prayer is a union with the prayer of Christ insofar as it makes us participate in his mystery. The mystery of Christ is celebrated by the Church in the Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit makes it come alive in contemplative prayer so that our charity will manifest it in our acts.

What the CCC does not expound is the full meaning of contemplation. There is an “acquired” contemplation that is within man’s efforts, but man is the primary initiator of the prayer. This would be the concept of CP. Of course, this desirable to strive for, but it develops in an orderly manner according to one’s stage of growth in prayer, and should not be attempted by a novice.

Why not? Because the whole foundation is built upon love - pure love of God, flowing to love of neighbor. Love does not form solely through a simple concentration on a “sacred word” or mantra in our prayer time. No, there is more required through spiritual disciplines and meditation. Whom does Jesus say He will manifest Himself to? Those who love Him, and keep His commandments. (Jn. 14:21-23) The entire edifice must be built on love, and this will produce union with God and His holy will, with or without contemplation.

There may come a time of manifestation for those who prepare themselves in this way, but it is God who is initiates the form of contemplation we refer to as “infused,” since God infuses the gift passively without man’s efforts. One higher form of this infused contemplation sometimes is referred to by St. Teresa as the Prayer of Union. That is where confusion arises in some of our understandings, as though we can achieve “union with God” with “acquired” contemplation, and should therefore strive to attain to it, in line with what Alan noted from the CCC.

Not entirely so, and one needs only to read St. Teresa’s comments in the Interior Castle, (and elsewhere), Chapter V:3:12. “I see, Sisters, that if we fail in love of neighbor we are lost. May it please the Lord that this will never be so; for if you do not fail, I tell you that you shall receive from His Majesty the union that was mentioned. When you see yourselves lacking in this love, even though you have devotion and gratifying experiences that make you think you have reached this stage, and you experience some little suspension in the prayer of quiet, believe me you have not reached union.”

And again in Way of Perfection, Ch. 17:2, she writes: “So not because all in this house practice prayer must all be contemplatives; that’s impossible. And it would be very distressing for the one who isn’t a contemplative if she didn’t understand the truth that to be a contemplative is a gift from God.”

To summarize, one can achieve true union with God through holiness, love of God and neighbor, and yet not be a contemplative. One can practice perfect vocal prayer and achieve this union, as St. Teresa explains in the Way of Perfection.

 

[ncjohn]

Joysong:

While in this state of “centering,” some teach that it is a prelude to infused contemplation. Nonsense! That is where I draw the line, in full concurrence with the Saints’ teachings that it is purely a gift from God, and not all receive it. However, God may and sometimes does grant it while one is in this “acquired” mode of centering.

Carole

Hi Carole,

Thank you so much for using your ability to put this into understandable terms. I only hope that some of the earlier posters come back to see your responses.

As you so rightly note, this is a highly misunderstood area, and difficult to talk about at all, much less explain to someone who has never experienced the “parting of the veil.” As you also very rightly note, CP does not necessarily lead into a contemplative state. More often than not for me, it ends up as only a beautiful experience of having tried to empty myself before God. Even then I’m sure that there was some message that I’m just not yet able to grasp, or maybe it is just what I said, and the gift is actually just being able to rest in Him for a few moments without the stress of the world intruding.

There are other times though, when I just seem to “drop into” communion for brief moments without any concious preparation at all. While these moments will sometimes last a few minutes, they more often are here and gone almost before I notice. Those times always make me remember the passage about Moses only being able to see God’s back as He passed by. That is exactly how I feel, that I see Him on His way out, but have to just remain knowing I can’t go chasing after Him to ask what all of that meant.

While I certainly agree as I said previously that this is not for everyone at every time, it is most dismaying to have people who have not experienced it writing it off or referring to it as dangerous or non-Catholic. We even had one priest in a neighboring parish tell his parishoners that anyone engaging in CP was committing a mortal sin!

Again, thanks for your well stated clarifications. Thanks also for your comments on Interior Castle. I have had it on my “to read” list for a while and I can see I need to take it off the dresser and jump into it.

Peace,
John

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Joysong:

While in this state of “centering,” some teach that it is a prelude to infused contemplation. Nonsense! That is where I draw the line, in full concurrence with the Saints’ teachings that it is purely a gift from God, and not all receive it. However, God may and sometimes does grant it while one is in this “acquired” mode of centering.

The infused and acquired thing still throws me a bit, but if I understand this objection of yours, then I agree with it. When you say “prelude” as if the following is inevitable, then I agree.

I think of the “centering prayer” method and mindset (for those of us who lapse in their practice ) is that the whole thing is not a “prelude” as much as an “invitation” to the Lord, a willingness to deny our worldly thoughts for a while on His behalf.

If I understand you, then, you are agreeing with me that the “method” of CP does not bring about contemplation (infused or whatever the right term is) but rather is an act of will to receive such contemplation openly if God sees fit to give it.

This is related to something that many anti-CP articles I’ve read have commented about. They say that the Cloud states that methods are not the way to God, therefore CP, being a method, is not faithful to the Cloud’s author. I can see how tricky this is for someone who’s more in tune with dogmatic theology and behavioral issues, and not so much delving into matters of the will in depth. CP is based on the methods that the Cloud’s author suggests, while at the same time methods do not bring us to God. Really, it is no more complicated than saying that reciting the Creed at Mass does not bind God to bestow us spiritual blessings, so saying it is not of value. It seems absurd when I put it that way, but the same reason applied to matters that are unknown to any given Catholic, the analogy is probably not at all that obvious.

It seems mysticism is kind of like a joke in a strange way. If you “get it,” it’s funny and brings about a belly laugh. If it’s explained to you, you may see the humor in a technical fashion but it just doesn’t have the same impact. It seems to defy rules of logic, as the mind of God is foolishness to a person. All the “weird” teachings from the Sermon on the Mount had this “foolish” quality, such as blessing your enemies and turning the other cheek. These are not merely behavioral models, but Christ did not have a language built to convey His ideas, because they were so odd that human language had not developed to support it. Therefore, what He said sounded absurd and foolish to people. That is not to say that everything that is foolish is Godly, but many things that are Godly appear foolish.

For that one poster who felt outclassed, well most of these people outclass me too when it comes to theology, even mystical theology. I speak as one who has looked a great deal specifically into CP, and has heard a lot of Keating’s teachings on videotapes. The intellectual part is wonderful, and helps guide us even when we don’t necessarily like the approach the “intellectuals” take. As far as actually being revealed the mysteries we hope that will bring us to the Divine, take heart with the prayer of Jesus:
Luke 10:21:

At that very moment he rejoiced (in) the holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.

This is one that gives me confidence when I’m trying to explain something to a person with more theological knowledge than me. I want to know, “what does this mean” and if they can help me that’s great. I am unafraid to speak before them because I do not fear being wrong. I’d rather be wrong and then be corrected than never to have formed an opinion at all on something that has moved me in some way. Sometimes I cannot express it so that it makes sense to them, since they cannot place it among official Church Teachings, and when that happens I especially am glad we have such diversity of experiences and abilities to express ourselves on this forum, because it’s about that time that usually someone kicks in and helps bridge the Gap of Misunderstanding.

Alan

 

[francisca]

GoldenArrow:

I have two very good CON articles regarding Centering Prayer. Both explain why Eastern Meditation and Catholic Contemplation cannot mix.

saint-mike.org/library/Occult/CenteringPrayer.html

and

dotm.org/decelles-1.htm

It is the opinion of many that the Centering Prayer movement being promoted by the Trappist Monk, Thomas Keating, is based on either a misinterpretation of early church writings, or is based upon an error that was practiced and then recorded by members of the early church.

A lot of people, including children (and also myself), saw demonic entities after doing Centering Prayer. PLEASE, for the safety of your own soul DO NOT employ this method as a “shortcut” to Contemplation. After practicing Centering for two weeks, I started hallucinating, and I didn’t see God or Angels or Saints! I saw BAD things. This quick and easy path leads to a spiritual cliff. It is a good example of fool’s gold.

The real gold of Contemplation is going to an Adoration Chapel, kneeling, and staring at the Risen Christ in the host. You look at Him, and He looks back at you. If you are then chosen for Contemplation, He will let you know!

Few are meant to be Contemplatives, and it is up to God, not us, to choose whether we are destined for this level of perfection.

God bless!

I’m interested in your thoughts in this matter.

I agree that centering prayer does have risks. It is not good to “sit” and “empty your mind” in order to “acheive” something.

The good way to “acheive” God is “to praise” Him in songs, in actions, in our minds, in words, etc.

God want us to “sing”, and make joyful sounds. This is all over the bible. He also maintains that He want us to be “joyful”. God even order “Purim festival” in the book of Esther. And this festival is “to be observed forever”, and it is about being “joyful”. (Purim is a Jewish festival, and as Christian we are to feast “Purim” in our joyous way in giving glory to God in Jesus Name).

By my own journey and seeing others too, I then really positive that to sing in praise and worship is the best way to get to know God, besides reading the bible and listen to teachings.

Centering prayer sometimes taunt our minds thinking that “God want me to do this before He will reveal Himself”. This is a certain way of falling into thinking that God is an “acheivement” of our works. And it will be worse when one does not really know God’s words. All kinds of “ascentism”, unless really done in order to give glory to God in Jesus Name, are dangerous. If one do it in “complete humility”… sure why not… but the thing is, sometimes our “humility” can be very “prideful” too (thus deceiving ourselves in our “prideful humility” in order to “acheive” God).

 

[AlanFromWichita]

francisca:

I agree that centering prayer does have risks. It is not good to “sit” and “empty your mind” in order to “acheive” something.

Yes, everything has risks. Life is a terminal illness with no known cure.

It is “not good” to empty your mind to achieve inner silence? Do you believe in Eucharistic Adoration, and if so, do you think that it is unwise to sit quietly, not thinking of anything in particular?

[edit]CP practitioners empty their minds based on several teachings of Christ, to deny ourselves (that would be our “false” selves built from original sin and societal influence, as opposed to our true selves built in the image of God) and to enter our inner room and pray. This “inner room” was evidently a metaphor, because most homes had but one room. I consider my “inner room” to be anywhere I can isolate myself from the hustle and bustle of the world, present spiritually to nobody but God. Again, Eucharistic adoration comes to mind.

The good way to “acheive” God is “to praise” Him in songs, in actions, in our minds, in words, etc.

Sure, those are good ways.

God want us to “sing”, and make joyful sounds. This is all over the bible. He also maintains that He want us to be “joyful”. God even order “Purim festival” in the book of Esther. And this festival is “to be observed forever”, and it is about being “joyful”. (Purim is a Jewish festival, and as Christian we are to feast “Purim” in our joyous way in giving glory to God in Jesus Name).

Yes, I agree, although I’m not very familiar with the OT so I’ll take your word for it on the Jewish festival. I might do a web search and see if there are any celebrated around here.

By my own journey and seeing others too, I then really positive that to sing in praise and worship is the best way to get to know God, besides reading the bible and listen to teachings.

The “best” way? I like singing too, as I play organ and piano for Mass at two different churches every week. Rich Mullins said that God commanded us to sing more times than any other particular thing – which I have not researched to find out if it’s true.

But to say this is the best way is to say that other devotions are inferior. For yourself, that is fine, but I am not comfortable with agreeing that any particular devotions or sets of devotions are the “best” way.

Centering prayer sometimes taunt our minds thinking that “God want me to do this before He will reveal Himself”. This is a certain way of falling into thinking that God is an “acheivement” of our works. And it will be worse when one does not really know God’s words. All kinds of “ascentism”, unless really done in order to give glory to God in Jesus Name, are dangerous. If one do it in “complete humility”… sure why not… but the thing is, sometimes our “humility” can be very “prideful” too (thus deceiving ourselves in our “prideful humility” in order to “acheive” God).

The taunting does not come from correct teachings on CP. CP is neither a necessary condition for God to reveal Himself or a that we can “achieve” godliness. Anyone who is qualified to teach CP should know that, and if you plan to participate in CP, it would not hurt to check whether they are affiliated with Contemplative Outreach before joining. You can look for a local rep to contact here. If it isn’t run by CO, at least they should be able to help you determine whether any teaching or prayer meetings you go to are legit.

There are heretical CP practitioners who are not qualified but try to teach anyway, and we have heard a number of horror stories about them; it is partially from them – maybe with the best of intentions – that we may hear such promises, but more often I hear those “promises” as claims that anti-CP people write about CP, allowing them to condemn it. I have wished to run CP meetings, but I am not qualified because I did not go on some of the multiple day retreats and training required for leaders. I’m just some person out here with an opinion, albeit an opinion that I hold firmly.

[edit]I like your point about “prideful humility.” Have you read the part in Dark Night of the Soul about errors of certain beginners with respect to pride? It really helped me realize how tricky pride can be.

Alan

 

[buzzcut]

Hi Joysong

This distinction between acquired and infused is an important one.

I would like your comments on the following statements:

**The desire to go to God, to open to His presence within us, does not come from our initiative. **

and

Such a movement does not require effort. It only requires the willingness to let go of our ordinary preoccupations.

and

**Since the will is designed for infinite love and the mind for infinite truth, if there is nothing to stop them, they tend to move in that direction. It is because they are all wrapped up in other directions that their freedom to go where they are naturally inclined is limited. **

Source: OMOH Chapter 5 Part I

 

[Joysong]

Dear Buzzcut,

You:

This distinction between acquired and infused is an important one.

I would like your comments on the following statements:

I’m just not sure how to respond, Buzz, because these statements are found in Keating’s book as his own thoughts. It seems that perhaps you concur, and are disagreeing quietly with the concept we have discussed in previous posts about “acquired” contemplation. What I’m understanding from your message is that this is unlikely to develop, because everything comes from God’s initiative, and it requires no effort other than to let go of our preoccupations — is that correct?

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Dear NCJohn,

Many thanks for your warm, supportive words!

As you so rightly note, this is a highly misunderstood area, and difficult to talk about at all, much less explain to someone who has never experienced the “parting of the veil.” As you also very rightly note, CP does not necessarily lead into a contemplative state. More often than not for me, it ends up as only a beautiful experience of having tried to empty myself before God. Even then I’m sure that there was some message that I’m just not yet able to grasp, or maybe it is just what I said, and the gift is actually just being able to rest in Him for a few moments without the stress of the world intruding.

Beautiful! :clapping: I had composed a short postscript after I hit “submit,” but aborted it, and now I wish I had not done so. It was meant to reaffirm the true good that one may receive from this simple practice, even though the person may never be gifted by God with infused contemplation.

What a joy to be able to open to God in brief recollection and attentiveness to His presence — and do so often during our day! Brother Lawrence said it so well, but did not give it the name “centering.” I suppose that is the new name some have chosen for our modern day.

Isn’t that what we would have done had Adam not lost Paradise for us? God created us to walk with Him and delight in His presence, and He gave the same charge to Abraham in Gen. 17:1, “Walk in My presence and be perfect!”

Whether we use an image, a sacred word, ejaculations, or a wordless aspiration of love – whatever! — the goal is the same, to rest momentarily in God, and receive from His graciousness whatever He chooses to impart to us in that brief moment.

Carole

 

[buzzcut]

Hi, Joysong

Yes – these are Father Keating’s words. It seems to me that he is, like you, articulating the limits of what can ever be “acquired” through our own efforts. So what I want to know is your take on his perspective. Do you agree with him? Or do you take issue with any of his statements?

 

[ncjohn]

buzzcut:

Hi, Joysong

Yes – these are Father Keating’s words. It seems to me that he is, like you, articulating the limits of what can ever be “acquired” through our own efforts. So what I want to know is your take on his perspective. Do you agree with him? Or do you take issue with any of his statements?

You didn’t ask my opinion, but thought I’d throw it in free of charge (forgive me if I’m intruding in a private discussion). :twocents:

I don’t see anything in the first of third statement that I wouldn’t agree with totally, especially that even the calling to seek God is a gift from God.

I don’t have the book here, so I can’t verify the context of the middle statement, but if it’s just meant to imply that the process is a matter of being willing to “unload our baggage” and rest in His presence, I would agree wholeheartedly. The “no effort” part is true to the extent that it’s a response to the calling rather than an initiative on our part, with the only “effort” being the willingness to not reject that calling and actually make the time to spend in that “rest.” Of course that is true of all of our actions since we’re always called to the right thing but have to choose to respond.

Peace,

p.s. The calling from God issue here is what I meant before when I commented that I didn’t think that many pew potatoes are going to show up for a CP session.

 

[DBT]

Joysong:

What a joy to be able to open to God in brief recollection and attentiveness to His presence — and do so often during our day! Brother Lawrence said it so well, but did not give it the name “centering.” I suppose that is the new name some have chosen for our modern day.

You mean I’ve been “centering” all this time and didn’t even know it!

Sorry, couldn’t resist . . . but you know how much I value Brother Lawrence.

Yes Carole, I really like the way you’ve been tying Brother Lawrence into the discussion and your insight is inspiring for me. I’ve often had a “sense” about him similar to your quote . . . but never quite put it together the way you did.

I guess my stumbling block in drawing the same conclusion you did is in the “application” of these two methods of recollection seem to me to be different. You know, CPs approach of sitting down for your 20 minutes a day vs. Brother Lawrence’s “holy habit” that, in the ideal world, is with you each and every moment of the day.

Perhaps his “method” of recollection is not all that different from CP . . . something to think on for a while

Dave.

 

[DBT]

Just a random thought on Brother Lawrence and how it might apply to this disussion.

You know how when a boy and girl first meet they talk all the time trying to get to know each other . . . then, after many years of being together, much can be communicated by a simple look or glance?

Well that’s kind of how I see Brother Lawrence’s teaching of the “holy habit.” It’s a prayer with few words . . . almost like your simply smiling at God - what he calls an “inward gaze.” And it can be done at all times, in all circumstances.

I guess in a certain sense one can think of this as “centering” on God . . . but in an almost continual way.

I wonder if CP practicioners view the use of the sacred word in a similiar kind of way?

Dave.

 

[Joysong]

Hi Dave,

I guess my stumbling block in drawing the same conclusion you did is in the “application” of these two methods of recollection seem to me to be different. You know, CPs approach of sitting down for your 20 minutes a day vs. Brother Lawrence’s “holy habit” that, in the ideal world, is with you each and every moment of the day.

Yes, I really disagree with the 20-minute periods, but prefer Bro. Lawrence’s total abandonment to God, and I believe that gives one a greater fruitfulness than the CP method. I’m guessing it is meant to be a kick-start for recollection, but I’ve not read Keating’s entire work. His main thrust of being present and open to God, using a sacred word, image, or nothing whatever, sounds good on the surface, and I would not disagree with it.

In my answer to Buzzcut, you will note Bro. Lawrence’s same spirit in St. Teresa regarding “acquired” recollection, so I’ll close and address his post.

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Hello again, Buzzcut,

Since you asked for feedback, my friend, I will have to say I disagree with the statements, but only because I have learned another way, and because the way has been taught by our saintly Master, St. Teresa. Reading her words in Way of Perfection, Chapter 26:2, she is teaching her Sisters to “acquire” the habit of recollection.

O Sisters, those of you who cannot engage in much discursive reflection with the intellect or keep your mind from distraction, get used to this practice! Get used to it

!

See, I know that you can do this; for I suffered many years from the trial – and it is a very great one – of not being able to quiet the mind in anything. But I know that the Lord does not leave us so abandoned; for if we humbly ask Him for this friendship, He will not deny it to us. And if we cannot succeed in one year, we will succeed later. Let’s not regret the time that is so well spent. Who’s making us hurry? I am speaking of acquiring this habit and of striving to walk alongside this true Master.

Statement one may be true in part, what Keating wrote, in that we cannot even take our next breath without God sustaining us; so if we receive a prompting to pray, it is likely His “actual grace” behind the inspiration. But the habit is one that must be acquired as St. Teresa wrote and taught. I do not know another way by experience, so I cannot comment further, other than to quote the Master and affirm that what she wrote has helped me.

You no doubt noticed the sentence where she called this a great trial from which she herself suffered. That would cause me to also disagree with Keating’s second statement that it does not require effort. I have read the testimony concerning others that have tried the 20-minute exercise that it is totally exasperating and almost impossible to stay with it. So I conclude then, from these others that it is difficult, but not impossible. You may remember my censure of teaching this to grade school children. I can just imagine what they are experiencing!

As for the third statement, well I just don’t know. Our will is free by God’s design, and not everyone who has a quiet mind will strive for infinite love and infinite truth. The theory suggests that all men are naturally good and not inclined to selfishness or sin — they are just preoccupied with extraneous things. When they “center,” things will change for the better. :ehh:

There you have it, for what it’s worth — just another opinion, Buzz.
I do thank you for asking, though.

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Hi Dave,

I really like your analogy!

You know how when a boy and girl first meet they talk all the time trying to get to know each other . . . then, after many years of being together, much can be communicated by a simple look or glance?

Well that’s kind of how I see Brother Lawrence’s teaching of the “holy habit.” It’s a prayer with few words . . . almost like your simply smiling at God - what he calls an “inward gaze.” And it can be done at all times, in all circumstances.

It is almost comical to imagine that in the beginning of a relationship, the couple sits in silence for 20-minutes and attempts to concentrate on the other person using a simple word like John or Mary. There would have to be a relationship formed through many months of companionship, discovery, sharing experiences, etc., before the word “John” can take on the loving meaning.

You get my point, I’m sure. Neither can a beginner to prayer nor a child be expected to gaze inwardly upon God in any manner at all, without previous development in coming to know and love Him through mental prayer and study. In this respect, Golden Arrow was right in saying this practice has its dangers.

Carole