Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer are two contemplative practices that originated from Christianity. These practices have gained popularity in recent years as more people seek ways to deepen their spiritual lives. Although both practices aim to help individuals connect with the divine, they differ in their approach and methodology.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a form of silent meditation that focuses on letting go of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations to connect with God’s presence within. It was developed by Trappist monk Father Thomas Keating in the 1970s as a response to the changing landscape of the Catholic Church.
In the practice of Centering Prayer, one sits in silence for twenty or thirty minutes, letting go of all thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that arise. Instead of focusing on a specific object or idea, practitioners simply sit still and allow God to work in their hearts and minds. The goal is to achieve a sense of inner peace and a deeper connection to God.
Centering Prayer is similar to other forms of meditation, such as mindfulness meditation, in that it focuses on the present moment and the stillness within. However, it differs in that it emphasizes the presence of God and the desire to connect with Him.
Welcoming Prayer
Welcoming Prayer, on the other hand, is a type of contemplative practice that aims to cultivate awareness and non-attachment. The practice was developed by Father Thomas Keating and Mary Mrozowski in the 1980s as a way to help individuals deal with difficult emotions and experiences.
In the practice of Welcoming Prayer, one is encouraged to identify and welcome any thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise, even if they are unpleasant or painful. Practitioners are then encouraged to let go of these emotions and surrender them to God. The goal is to achieve a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the midst of difficulty.
Welcoming Prayer is different from Centering Prayer in that it is more active and involves paying attention to one’s thoughts and feelings rather than letting them go. However, it is similar in that it aims to connect individuals with God’s presence and cultivate inner peace.
Differences between Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer
While Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two practices.
- Centering Prayer is a passive practice that emphasizes letting go of thoughts and emotions, while Welcoming Prayer is an active practice that involves paying attention to thoughts and emotions.
- Centering Prayer focuses on achieving a sense of inner peace and connection to God, while Welcoming Prayer aims to help individuals deal with difficult emotions and experiences.
- Centering Prayer is typically practiced for twenty or thirty minutes in a quiet space, while Welcoming Prayer can be practiced for as little as thirty seconds in the midst of daily life.
Which Practice Should You Choose?
Choosing between Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a passive practice that emphasizes stillness and connection to God, Centering Prayer may be the best choice for you. However, if you are dealing with difficult emotions and experiences and want to cultivate a sense of acceptance and surrender, Welcoming Prayer may be the better option.
Regardless of which practice you choose, both Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer can help you deepen your spiritual life and connect with God’s presence. They are valuable tools for those seeking greater peace and clarity in their lives.
Conclusion
Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer are two contemplative practices that aim to help individuals connect with God’s presence and deepen their spiritual lives. While they share many similarities, they differ in their approach and methodology. Choosing between the two practices depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both are valuable tools for cultivating inner peace and a deeper connection to God.
FAQ
What is the welcoming prayer method?
The Welcoming Prayer is a contemplative practice that helps us to become more aware of the presence of God in our daily life. It is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in our physical and emotional reactions to events and situations in daily life. This practice was developed by Mary Mrozowski, a spiritual leader in the Contemplative Outreach organization.
The Welcoming Prayer method involves three simple steps – noticing, allowing, and surrendering. The first step is to notice when we are experiencing strong emotions such as anger, fear, or anxiety. We are encouraged to pay attention to what is happening in our body, such as tension, shallow breathing, or a racing heart. By becoming aware of our physical and emotional reactions, we can begin to identify the triggers that cause these reactions.
The second step is to allow these emotions to be present without trying to change or suppress them. We are called to recognize that all emotions, even negative ones, are part of our human experience. We are not asked to judge the emotions or ourselves for having them but to accept them fully.
The third and final step is to surrender these emotions to God’s presence and action. We acknowledge that we cannot control or change our emotional state, but we can invite God’s healing presence into our hearts and minds. We offer these emotions to God and ask for the courage to trust in His love and guidance.
The Welcoming Prayer method is not a technique for suppressing emotions or fixing problems. It is a way of surrendering our emotions to God’s love and allowing Him to transform them. This practice can be used in a variety of situations, from minor irritations to major life challenges. It helps us to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and a deeper understanding of God’s love for us. With regular practice, this method can deepen our spiritual life and bring us closer to God.
What is an example of centering prayer?
Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that has roots in the Christian tradition. It involves sitting in silence and focusing on a specific word (such as “love” or “peace”) or phrase (such as “be still and know that I am God”) in order to quiet the mind and connect with God’s presence. One example of a Centering Prayer is as follows:
Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit. It can be helpful to set a timer for a specific amount of time, perhaps starting with 10-15 minutes.
Take a few deep breaths and begin to let go of any distractions or thoughts that come up. Focus on your chosen word or phrase, repeating it silently in your mind.
If your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to your word or phrase. Don’t judge yourself for getting distracted – just return to the practice.
As you continue to focus on your word or phrase, allow yourself to simply be present with God. Don’t try to analyze or interpret anything – just be with God in the stillness.
When the timer goes off, gently bring yourself back to your surroundings. Take a few more deep breaths and give thanks for the time spent in contemplation.
Remember that Centering Prayer is just one form of contemplative prayer. It can be helpful for people who find it difficult to sit in silence and need a specific focus for their minds. The key is to be open to the experience of being present with God, and to allow the silence to deepen your relationship with the divine.