Centering prayer (Christianity)

Centering prayer is a method of self surrender, teaching one not to be possessive but to let go. Having peace without thinking about having it means one has learned how to do it.

The practice is designed to prepare for the gift of contemplation or contemplative prayer, by reducing the obstacles to such contemplation. The intuitive faculties are refined through regular practice. All thoughts, any perception that appears on the inner screen of consciousness, is disregarded for the source of all thought, and a deeper kind of attention emerges. The method implies a relatively comfortable physical position in a quiet place at a time of day when one is most awake and alert. A sacred word is gently introduced to one's attention. Each time a thought intrudes, the sacred word, which has been chosen previously, is put in its place to direct the attention towards God. The word is not chosen for its meaning but as a pointer to reaffirm attention. It centres one's attention on God's presence within. After the practice there should be some minutes of quiet thought or vocal prayer before opening the eyes.