From my readings and practice of Christian contemplative prayer (limited though it may be), I have never believed it to be an "emptying" of mind or self as you describe. The only "emptying" one seeks to do is of the daily and random distractions of worldly life, for which using a Christ-centered word or short phrase is therefore helpful. But the entire point of such prayer is to be filled with an awareness of God's presence with us! Not to be empty, but to be filled! This is difficult to do when we ourselves are always doing the talking and the thinking.
Does this happen to me every time? I do not have "ecstatic" experiences; no. I DO have deep, quiet, profound experiences of the Lord's presence in and around me; yes. Contemplative prayer is one aspect of all types of prayer, and one I believe followers of Jesus should practice, along with many other forms open to them.
I completely agree!! I wrote this essay hoping to show that centering prayer falls short of the deep and wonderful tradition of contemplative prayer. I consider it more shallow than other contemplative practices. When I practice contemplative prayer, I always take time to clear my mental space, but centering prayer, at least as I was taught it, tries to maintain that clear mental state… at the expense of the awareness you’re talking about. So I definitely appreciate what you’re saying. We should all be working towards it.
Interesting, having read Cynthia Bourgeault's book on centering prayer I had understood that the aim and intention was to be present, expectant of God and it is not "emptying" one's mind but focusing it only on that intention. The idea is to let go anything that may deflect you from that task, hence the sacred word. I have found it helpful to bat away the inevitable tsunami of random thoughts when I attempt to contemplate. I have found it helps me reach a place ( occasionally)that is difficult to describe but feels calm and beautiful and I associate with "the still small quiet voice of God". I have found engaging in centering prayer has helped my general receptivity to this voice when busy in the noisy world.
Yeah I think there are different versions. I first read Into the Silent Land by Laird-Martin and it was mostly good with only occasional comments that seemed out of step with the tradition of Christian contemplative prayer. Then I went to the retreat and it was hardly Christian at all!! Very disappointing. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks. I think you’re aligned with the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” course which includes The Daily Office. I have been participating in the course and not doing too well in my estimation. Your words may help.
From my readings and practice of Christian contemplative prayer (limited though it may be), I have never believed it to be an "emptying" of mind or self as you describe. The only "emptying" one seeks to do is of the daily and random distractions of worldly life, for which using a Christ-centered word or short phrase is therefore helpful. But the entire point of such prayer is to be filled with an awareness of God's presence with us! Not to be empty, but to be filled! This is difficult to do when we ourselves are always doing the talking and the thinking.
Does this happen to me every time? I do not have "ecstatic" experiences; no. I DO have deep, quiet, profound experiences of the Lord's presence in and around me; yes. Contemplative prayer is one aspect of all types of prayer, and one I believe followers of Jesus should practice, along with many other forms open to them.
I completely agree!! I wrote this essay hoping to show that centering prayer falls short of the deep and wonderful tradition of contemplative prayer. I consider it more shallow than other contemplative practices. When I practice contemplative prayer, I always take time to clear my mental space, but centering prayer, at least as I was taught it, tries to maintain that clear mental state… at the expense of the awareness you’re talking about. So I definitely appreciate what you’re saying. We should all be working towards it.
May we all have experiential knowledge of God.
Interesting, having read Cynthia Bourgeault's book on centering prayer I had understood that the aim and intention was to be present, expectant of God and it is not "emptying" one's mind but focusing it only on that intention. The idea is to let go anything that may deflect you from that task, hence the sacred word. I have found it helpful to bat away the inevitable tsunami of random thoughts when I attempt to contemplate. I have found it helps me reach a place ( occasionally)that is difficult to describe but feels calm and beautiful and I associate with "the still small quiet voice of God". I have found engaging in centering prayer has helped my general receptivity to this voice when busy in the noisy world.
Yeah I think there are different versions. I first read Into the Silent Land by Laird-Martin and it was mostly good with only occasional comments that seemed out of step with the tradition of Christian contemplative prayer. Then I went to the retreat and it was hardly Christian at all!! Very disappointing. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks. I think you’re aligned with the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” course which includes The Daily Office. I have been participating in the course and not doing too well in my estimation. Your words may help.
Reed, I’m really appreciating your reflections and emphasis on our walk with Christ. Keep it up!
Thank you for this! You were referred by the Christian Mind Reset. This is me: https://laurabartnick.substack.com/p/psalm-46-where-is-the-safest-place