Dive into the transformative practice of Centering Prayer, exploring its rich history and profound impact on both personal and communal spirituality. Discover the interconnections between monastic traditions and Eastern practices as this contemplative journey unfolds. Reflect on the legacy of Thomas Keating and the influence of Vatican II on personal faith. Engage with modern efforts to make contemplative outreach more inclusive and accessible for all generations, fostering empathy and deeper connections with the divine.
Centering prayer serves as a transformative practice that deepens one's relationship with the divine, fostering inner peace and compassion.
The contemplative outreach community aims to inclusively adapt centering prayer practices to meet the spiritual needs of diverse and marginalized populations.
Deep dives
The Vision of Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is described as a transformative practice that facilitates deepening one's relationship with the divine. It provides a structured approach to prayer, encouraging participants to open their hearts and minds to God's presence, which ultimately fosters inner peace and compassion. The method involves selecting a sacred word as an intention to consent to God's action within, and participants are guided to return to this word when distracted by thoughts. Emphasizing simplicity, the method allows practitioners to engage deeply with their spirituality, moving beyond mere meditation to a transformative experience of divine relationship.
Father Thomas Keating's Legacy
Father Thomas Keating, a key figure in the spread of centering prayer, worked tirelessly to make contemplative practices accessible to all. Through his efforts, he transformed ancient Christian practices, allowing them to resonate with the spiritual needs of the modern world. He conducted retreats and formed the organization Contemplative Outreach, which helped establish centering prayer groups globally, bringing people together in shared spiritual practice. Keating’s rich legacy includes numerous writings and recordings that continue to inspire practitioners, showcasing his commitment to sharing contemplative traditions beyond monastery walls.
A Transformative Community Experience
The contemplative outreach community emphasizes an evolving, inclusive vision that adapts to the changing needs of contemporary practitioners. It recognizes that the practice of centering prayer not only fosters individual transformation but also encourages a deeper connection to others and the world. The conversation highlights the community’s commitment to engaging diverse populations and addressing the spiritual needs of marginalized groups, particularly in the context of modern society. As the community evolves, it aims to create spaces where individuals from all walks of life can experience the breadth and depth of contemplative prayer.
Welcome back to season two of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts. We are your hosts, Colleen Thomas and Mark Dannenfelser and our hope this season is to open the door for you to explore more deeply this powerful practice of Centering Prayer. Each week we will talk with a guest from the contemplative community and unpack Father Thomas Keating’s principle: “Contemplative Outreach is an evolving community with an expanding vision and deepening practice of Centering Prayer that serves the changing needs of Christian contemplatives.”
Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer.
This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC www.crysandtiana.com
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