WHAT IS CENTERING PRAYER

"Centering Prayer is a method of prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God's presence. This was traditionally called contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is the opening of mind and heart — our whole being — to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God. A restructuring of consciousness takes place which empowers one to perceive, relate, and respond with increasing sensitivity to the divine presence in, through, and beyond everything that exists." Thomas Keating

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER

Introductory Workshop Series
October 10 and 24, and November 7, 2010

This three-part Introduction to Centering Prayer includes both instruction and practice in a method that fosters contemplative prayer. Grounded in sixteen centuries of Christian tradition, this prayer, as taught by Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington, helps us bring our whole being to God beyond words, beyond thoughts, and images. The sessions include the practice of Centering Prayer, videos of Thomas Keating, and time for discussion and questions.

Register for Introductory Workshop Series

RETREATS

These silent retreats provide time for rest and renewal through an extended experience of resting in God, in the contemplative environment of Mercy Center. There are several communal Centering Prayer periods each day, allowing us to deepen our spiritual practice. There is some input each day by a retreat director on a selected dimension of contemplative life and prayer.

5-Day Intensive Retreat August 11-15, 2010

Come taste the silence of prayer with other contemplative companions, and rest in the stillness. An established practice of Centering Prayer for six months or longer is suggested but not required. We will enjoy periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Taizé Chant, and time for contemplative Eucharist.

Register for Centering Prayer 5-Day Retreat

11th Step Retreat October 22-24

For those who practice the 12 Steps found in AA, Al-Anon, and other 12-Step programs, Centering Prayer supports the process initiated in the practice of the 12 Steps - the process of human transformation.

Register for 11th Step Retreat

Cynthia Bourgeault Retreat March 4-6, 2011

Join acclaimed writer and teacher Cynthia Bourgeault for an in-depth encounter with Mary Magdalene, informed by the wisdom of the ages-old Christian contemplative tradition.

Register for Cynthia Bourgeault Retreat

UPCOMING RETREATS

Information wil be posted on the Calendar when registration opens.

April 2011 Triduum Retreat

WEEKDAY PRACTICE

Monday through Friday, Centering Prayer in the Mercy Center Chapel from 6:30—7:10 am. All are welcome.

CENTERING PRAYER OUTREACH

Centering Prayer can be very helpful for those who are incarcerated. In the midst of the chaos of jail, inmates have found Centering a way to transform rage, pain and frustration into liberating freedom. Since 1999, Mercy Center staff and participant have visited San Quentin, San Francisco and San Mateo County jails and more recently the Federal Correction Institution in Dublin, to bring Centering Prayer to the incarcerated. For more information, please contact Mercy Center.