One has to be weary of anyone who claims that contemplation can be achieved through techniques. And, the term “centering prayer” is used by some people to refer to mental prayer, but unfortunately, the expression has been mixed up in eastern mysticism. Use of mantras, breathing techniques, and other such things are not authentic mental prayer.
I was with you unitl this statement. You are misinformed about Centering Prayer. It is not taught as a technique to contemplation, but rather a method of prayer, which can lead to contemplation. Contemplation comes from the grace God gives us, but we must be open to that grace.
The Mantra as you call it, is not used in Centering Prayer any more than you could call saying the Hail Mary’s of the Rosary a mantra.
A Sacred Prayer word is used, but it’s not necessarily one word or a particular sound, as those in Eastern traditions use. It is
words either from Scripture or other holy source, that has meaning for us. My Sacred Prayer word, is “Lord Jesus.”
his is not a new concept to Centering prayer, but rather goes back to the ancient Biblical times. Phrases or verses from the Psalms were repeated in prayer.
Even in Christianity, the Jesus Prayer, Maranatha(Come Lord) or just repeating the name of our Lord Jesus, has always been part of the Christian tradition.
There are no brathing techniques taught or used in Centering Prayer. Although as you quite down, your breathing will become slow and deep. BTW, I’m speaking about the teachings of Thomas Keating and the late Basil Pennington here, not some other’s who may have hi-jacked Centering Prayer and distorted it.
Centering Prayer is nothing other than resting in the Lord Jesus.
The use of the prayer word, is merely for the purpose of keeping us focused on our intention, when we become aware of our thoughts wandering off. The Prayer word merely brings us back to our intention and our center of being with the Lord.
We come to the center of our being where the Holy Spirit dwels, to rest in the Lord. Anything we receive in Centering Prayer, comes from Him, not from the prayer word. Just as nothing we receive from saying the Rosary comes from the words of the prayers, but from God.
Just being with Him in a loving relationship, and not expecting anything other than Him, is all that we desire in Centering Prayer.
It is akin to a couple resting in each other’s arms, sitting on a sofa. No words are necessary to express their love for each other. Just being close together is enough.
So it is with Centering Prayer. Just being with the Lord, at the core of our being, is enough to express our love for Him, and expresses His love for us.
In my 30 years of Centering Prayer, the words of St. Teresa in the Way of Perfection, were right on, in accordance to my exprerience.
As she said, unless you experience what she is talking about, it will be difficult if not impossible to understand.
So it is with Centering Prayer. Perhaps they should’ve called it something different, but being that you are moved to the center of your being in this prayer, it’s appropriate.
In Him
Jim