True contemplation is a pure gift of God. Yet, following after the example and teaching of Jesus, we know that God is desirous of relationship with us and thus bestows divine gifts with generous wild abandon. Thus, all disciples of Christ, and indeed, all children of the living God are called to contemplation. While contemplation is always initiated from God’s side, we who would embrace the divine call to relationship can take steps to ready ourselves to recognize and receive the gift when it is given. One of the most direct methods of preparation for contemplation, which is the core practice of the MMOC contemplative community, in known as Centering Prayer.
The Four Guidelines of Centering Prayer are:
Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
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.
When engaged with your thoughts [including body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections], return ever so gently to the sacred word.
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes