Entering the Inner RoomA Lenten Journey of Centering Prayer

Dear Southport Congregational Church,

I’m guessing, when we think of prayer we think of public prayer during communal worship. We think of a pastoral prayer or the Lord’s prayer. If we do think of prayer from an individual standpoint, I imagine we think of prayers before meals or before bed. But, I wonder, if you have ever heard of a centering prayer? 

In short, a centering prayer incorporates all three characteristics of contemplative prayer practices: silence, solitude, and stillness. It moves beyond conversation with God to communion with God. By participating in a centering prayer, we dismantle the false self, and we move closer to Jesus. By leaning into Matthew chapter six and Jesus’ call to “go into your inner room and pray,” we could explore the possibility that the sacred space is already within us.

The intention of centering prayer is to consent to God’s action and presence within. In some cultures, it would have been represented by an actual prayer cloth or shawl, which would have covered the individual who was going in to pray. But when we’re moving into our inner room, we could simply close our eyes. This idea of briefly closing ourselves to the outside world and moving inwards to the Holy Spirit residing within us, helps us to anchor ourselves and also offer grounding when it comes to contemplative practices. 

This is all to say, I wonder if a centering prayer might be a helpful practice for you during the season of Lent. It might not involve a prayer shawl or even lighting a candle, but it could be as simple as closing your eyes and allowing God to lead you in silence for a moment or two.

As you prepare for another busy season filled with activities, practices, and schedules, perhaps a daily centering prayer might be helpful in removing the false self of perfection and posturing your physical and spiritual body towards your Loving Creator.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dr. Mark Waterstone