Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Centering Prayer and how does one do it?

 Go to the International website and follow the links regarding Centering Prayer, Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. - Resources and Programs for Centering Prayer.

How can I obtain tapes, videos or books about Centering Prayer?

Check out the quite comprehensive on-line bookstore at www.contemplativeoutreach.org. Books and other materials are usually offered for sale at programs hosted by the Chicago Chapter. Your local bookseller may also carry or be able to order resources about contemplative prayer or Centering Prayer for you. For a list of available titles visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org For resources in Spanish, consult the Extensión Contemplativa website, www.extensioncontemplativainternacional.org/.

How do I get on your mailing list?

Go to our site's " Sign up for Mailing List" and send us your contact information. You will find the quarterly newsletter posted on this website - March 1, June 1, Sept 1 and Dec 1. You will receive event advertizing as it becomes available through our mailing list.

What's the best way to start practicing Centering Prayer on a regular basis?

This question is like the one, "What's the best diet for me?" Answer: "The one that you'll stick with!" Some people simply read about Centering Prayer and begin practicing on their own. Most persons find that they need to attend "An Introduction to Centering Prayer" in order to establish a centering prayer practice of 20-30 minutes twice a day.

What are the four guidelines for doing Centering Prayer?

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts*, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
* Thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images and reflections.

Some people at my church want to start a Centering Prayer group. How do we set one up?

Allen Harper coordinates presenters of "An Introduction to Centering Prayer" program (which normally consists of 6 to 8 weeks of instruction and mentoring). Contact Allen at allen@centeringprayerchicago.org to arrange the program for your group of ten or more. Ongoing Centering Prayer groups often form naturally as a continuation of these programs.

How do I find someone to teach me to do Centering Prayer?

I'm not "getting it" from reading books on the subject. Consult our latest quarterly newsletter for upcoming An Introduction to Centering Prayer at various locations in Chicago and the suburbs. Many people find that Centering Prayer is more readily learned from an experienced presenter than from a book or tape.

How do we arrange for a presentation on Lectio Divina?

Allen Harper coordinates "An Introduction to Lectio Divina" programs. Please contact him at allen@centeringprayerchicago.org

What is an Intensive Retreat?

An intensive retreat cultivates a deeper level of spiritual practice in an atmosphere of silence, solitude and community. Persons with an established daily practice of Centering Prayer for at least six months are encouraged to attend. Key elements of an intensive retreat are periods of Centering Prayer three hours a day, twice daily Spiritual Journey video tapes, mealtime reading of Open Mind, Open Heart, times for questions and answers that clarify the Centering Prayer practice, private interviews, and one day of complete silence.

What is a Post-Intensive Retreat?

A post-intensive retreat provides an opportunity to deepen the practice of centering prayer in an atmosphere of profound silence and community support. Persons with at least one year of an established daily practice of Centering Prayer and who have attended an 8- to 10-day Intensive Centering Prayer retreat are encouraged to attend. The retreat includes three to four hours of Centering Prayer each day, several days of sacred silence with no eye contact, silent meals and spiritual soul-friending.

Is Centering Prayer "new age"?

No. Centering Prayer is inspired by the writing of major contributors to the Christian Contemplative Heritage including John Cassian, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Francis DeSales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton.

If I go to a Centering Prayer group, will people criticize me for asking questions or making comments they don't agree with?

We suggest that all groups adopt and follow certain guidelines for sharing within small groups, so that everyone will feel comfortable. To see some suggested guidelines, click here.