Q: I’d like to start a Centering Prayer group and would appreciate guidance on how to do this.
A: Thank you so much for your interest in starting a group! Many of us who practice Centering Prayer find that we benefit from the support of a group. If Contemplative Outreach is a living organism, then prayer groups are the cells.
The first thing I would do when planning to start a group is to pray – open yourself to God and ask for guidance. Next – do you envision this group on Zoom or in person? Either way, groups often benefit from a host organization such as a house of worship, a retreat center, or other organization that may support the practice of Centering Prayer. Consider approaching a group with which you or someone you know has a relationship. If you are not or do not wish to be affiliated with any organization, you may be able to meet at a library or community center, retreat house, or online in the Meditation Chapel.
You may wish to offer or invite someone to offer the Centering Prayer Introductory Program as a way of starting a group. Many groups are formed or sustained by people who participate in this program.
The Facilitator Support Service Team has developed a handbook to support Centering Prayer group facilitators, including information about agreeing on a group purpose, guidelines for faith sharing, and suggested materials for groups; e.g., books, videos, lectio divina). Group formats vary widely, from half an hour of silent prayer early in the morning, with no sharing or spiritual development materials, to 1-1.5-hour-long gatherings including Centering Prayer and one of the following: lectio divina on Scripture or other materials, reading and discussing a book, viewing and discussing a video, some teaching about contemplative prayer. Some groups begin and/or end in silence; others start or end with friendly chit-chat. Some groups use candles, meditation gongs, music and other supports. Others do not.
The feel of any group reflects the facilitator and the other participants. Your own prayer practice and spiritual development is most important here. If you are anxious, that will be transmitted to the group regardless of your wishes. Don’t worry about how many people come, whether they are practicing outside of the group, whether they “get” what you and the Spirit are offering, or anything else. Just let go of the outcome and give it to God. You give the gift of your surrender and willingness to provide the opportunity to pray together. God, and the surrender of the other participants to the Divine, does the rest.
And remember – you are never alone. You are offering a beautiful gift to God and our fellow travelers on the spiritual journey. We are all here to help you. For more information, feel free to contact the Facilitator Support Service Team at coordinator@centeringprayernj.com.
Peace,
Eileen McCaffrey Schuman
on behalf of the Facilitator Support Service Team
