Q: What articles and resources are available about Centering Prayer and mental health? A: We have a number of published Q&A’s that relate to this topic: Centering Prayer and Mental […]
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Who Am I?
It was around this time of year, late summer, that we sold our house and moved into an apartment. After 25 years in the same home, I found the […]
Recognizing the Dark Night and Reorienting our Practice
Q: I have been practicing Centering prayer for about 7 years. I have read most of Fr. Thomas’ books, most of Richard Rohr’s books and several of Cynthia Bourgeault’s. I […]
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Practicing Centering Prayer with Others
Q: Is it beneficial for two practicing Centering Prayer together? A: Thank you for this important question. There are many benefits, joys and learning experiences to be found in practicing […]
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In the Shelter of Each Other*
by Carolyn Goddard Nashville, Tennessee, USA Two years ago, to escape the heat and humidity of August in Nashville, my husband rented a place on a lake in Quebec. […]
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Centering Prayer and the Nights
Q: A few months ago, I seem to have woken up during Centering Prayer in terror over not being able to find God. I had been sensing that this […]
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Two Basic Spiritual Disciplines
Q: More than a year ago, I had just finished a Centering Prayer session when I hear Father Thomas say to me as clear as day, “I want a new […]
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Using Sacred Word and Sacred Breath Together
Q: In his book, Into the Silent Land, Martin Laird seems to suggest that the sacred word and sacred breath can be used together, and I have been doing this. […]
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The Spiritual Journey Series: A Roadmap for Inner Transformation
When I first enrolled in the Spiritual Journey Series, I saw Fr. Thomas primarily as a modern wisdom teacher who helped revive the contemplative treasures of the Christian tradition. Through […]
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A Borderless Practice: The Interspiritual Invitation of Centering Prayer
“Deep prayer is the laying aside of thoughts. It is the opening of mind and heart, body and feelings—our whole being—to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond words, thoughts, […]
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Why Attend Multi-Day Retreats?
Q: Throughout the year we have opportunities to attend days of prayer. What do extended retreats add to the spiritual journey that reading books, attending Centering Prayer groups and workshops don’t? […]
12-Step Outreach: Deepening Recovery Through Contemplative Prayer
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 […]
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The 4R’s of Thoughts in Centering Prayer
Q: Fr Keating, in his book Open Mind, Open Heart writes that it is possible for one to have a thought and not be affected by it. I am […]
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Do Not Form It With Your Lips
by Matt Scrimgeour Ballycastle, Antrim, Ireland At the start of 2026 during a Living Flame retreat day, I was listening to Sr Fionnuala Quinn share on the topic of […]
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An Invitation to Intimacy in the Aramaic Matthew 6:6
by Joy Andrews Hayter Northern California, USA But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in […]
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An Outline for a self-guided Centering Prayer Intensive-type Retreat
Q: I have a 30-year daily contemplative practice with numerous multi-day, self-directed silent sitting retreats and long, intensive Zen retreats. I’d like to do a self-guided, multi-day Centering Prayer […]
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No Quiet During Centering Prayer
Q: I’ve been doing Centering Prayer for six months. I find it so hard. I’ve never felt any quiet or silence. I just turn up but I’m always saying […]
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Our Common Silence
God’s silence is our meeting place, our commons. By entering, we consent to God’s grace peeling away the rind of our small selves, transforming our wrongdoings, virtues, moralities, and […]
About Forgiveness
Q: I would be grateful if you could clarify one of the attitudes in Session 1 of the e-course “Forgiveness- Growth in Love“. It reads: “If I forgive it […]
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The Practice of Forgiveness
Q: Forgiveness is one of the highest expressions of love and love without forgiveness is no love at all. Jesus’ emphasis on the absolute necessity to forgive repeatedly and […]
Centering Prayer and Startle Reflex
Q: I experience an exaggerated startle reflex during Centering Prayer. The physical jolt in response to any sound, including the concluding bell, is distracting and distressing. I realize that simply […]
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These Annoying Humans!
Q: What the heck is one supposed to do if one just doesn’t like people and humanity? Seemingly making some progress in my practice, desire closer relationship with God, […]
God as Divine Therapist
Q: Fr. Keating, in his book Intimacy with God and elsewhere, develops the idea – the image – of God as Divine Therapist. Yet Fr. Keating also argues that we […]
Walking the Contemplative Life
by Diane Ryan member of the Contemplative Outreach Ltd trustee team Breckenridge, Colorado, USA The Buddhist monks have completed their journey from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. They […]
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How Does This Happen?
by Sue Kenney California, USA Impossible, you say. Unbelievable, you mutter. Nineteen men of various ages, from various places, speaking various languages. They walk. Simply walk. Step by step. […]
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