One of the key dispositions for Centering Prayer, and indeed for all contemplative practices, is a release of all expectations. On one level, dispensing of expectations in prayer serves a very functional, practical purpose: the fact is that “mistakes” will happen as part of our prayer practice – we may become distracted, fall asleep, or miss a designated time of prayer entirely, for example. Any expectation of a “perfect” or “correct” prayer will derail any growth in prayer before the life of prayer has an opportunity to take root, as we are not capable of any kind of perfection ourselves. However, there is another, more subtle lesson of humility in letting go of our expectations, as we will soon recognize not only that “mistakes” are inevitable, but also that only God has the knowledge and wisdom to declare something a mistake at all. While we might deem falling asleep in prayer a “mistake,” we might better see it as a graced gift of needed rest. While we might call the distraction of a person or memory or birdsong during our prayer period a “mistake,” perhaps it is Christ enfleshed presenting himself to us in that moment. After enough time spent practicing and living contemplatively, we find that “mistakes” in God’s Presence aren’t really mistakes at all, but moments of grace, guidance, and opportunity!
Contact us at 314-578-0062 or [email protected]!