12–Step Outreach was established in 2005 with the full support and blessing of Thomas Keating. The ministry grew from the recognition of the deep spiritual affinity between the practice of Centering Prayer and the Twelve Steps. Both invite us to surrender our self-will, deepen our conscious relationship with God as we understand God, and open ourselves to the transforming power of grace.
12-Step Outreach is a fellowship of people in 12-step recovery who practice Centering Prayer and other contemplative methods to enhance their 11th Step practice. We are affiliated with Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. while remaining autonomous with respect to religion, denomination, sect, politics or other outside organizations. While Centering Prayer has its roots in the Christian contemplative tradition, it is spiritual and not religious in nature and practiced in this fellowship in a way that is inclusive and respective of all spiritual paths, requiring no particular definition of a Higher Power.
Our primary purpose is to help individuals and groups establish contemplative prayer practices through workshops, retreats and formation programs for formation and healing. We honor all 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, including the principle of self-support through our own contributions. We honor all 12-step programs and only seek to offer Centering Prayer to complement the 11th Step.
The 11th Step is “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Our website, www.cp12stepoutreach.org, offers local and online information on 12-Step Centering Prayer prayer groups, 11th-Step meetings, retreats, workshops, days of reflection, book studies and other educational resources that explore the rich relationship between contemplative prayer and the Twelve Steps. We also o er Presenters training to teach the 12-step version of Centering Prayer to a recovery audience. Through these offerings, we seek to provide a welcoming spiritual community where participants can experience silence, deepen their relationship with God and support one another in the ongoing journey of recovery.
Whether someone is new to recovery or has many years in the program, 12-Step Outreach offers an invitation to discover the gift of contemplative prayer and to deepen the spiritual awakening promised in the Twelve Steps. We believe that recovery and contemplation naturally complement one another, leading us to greater freedom, compassion, and a life centered in God’s presence.
Today we are blessed with eight members on our leadership team.
If you’d like further information, please visit our website at cp12stepoutreach.org.
