Q: Fr Keating teaches that during Centering Prayer sessions, one may experience emotions for which there is no explanation and the way to deal with them is to sink into the emotion – to feel them – rather than think about them. In due course they will fade. I understand that this is God’s action within since Centering Prayer is consent to God’s presence and action. I have had at least two recent experiences. My question is what I should do if the emotions do not fade throughout the prayer period? In my recent two experiences, the emotions that I felt lasted through the prayer and for some time after the prayer ended. It was difficult to bear. Should I have returned to my prayer word after some time – or would this have meant that I was beginning to think about the emotions and their source? I tried my best to just let the emotion sink in but sometimes I returned to my prayer word. I was asking God for mercy when I returned to the prayer word. Normally, at the end of my prayer period, I say the Jesus Prayer and a short while later say the Lord’s Prayer. I wonder if you have any observations about my experience? Thank you and God bless.
A: Wow, your faithfulness and perseverance in prayer (and after) are awesome! You demonstrate what Fr. Thomas called, “the intention to consent to God’s presence and action” in real time. Whatever the Spirit is unearthing on an emotional level sounds deep. Fr. Thomas spoke in terms of the “archeological dig.” You’re in the midst of it. Please know that there is no expectation that feeling the feeling will necessarily dissipate it within the 20 or 30 minute prayer time. What is so remarkable to me about your experience is that you were able to be aware that your emotions were triggered. Truly that is a gift!
The Welcoming Prayer is very helpful for those feelings that linger on after Centering Prayer. Where are they manifesting in your body? Can you sink into that place and Welcome the ongoing Divine action within? Letting go again and again.
Your YES to this Divine Therapy is really evident. Trust the process and know that you’re really being LOVED into life, regardless of what our psychological experience of the moment may be.
Hope this answers your question. If not, please feel free to reach out.
Peace,
Mary Dwyer
