Q: I wonder why so many clergy are not aware of contemplative prayer? Even if they are, why don’t they share it with their congregations? A: There is any number […]
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The Path of Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer
Q: I have been in recovery for 19 years from 35 long painful years of addictions and have meditated for as long. I have followed nondual teaching of resting […]
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About the Intensive Retreat
This article contains information about the Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat format, which is also one of the requirements of the commissioning process to become a Centering Prayer Presenter. Thomas Keating […]
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About the Contemplative Walk
Q: Our group has been doing a contemplative walk before meetings. Do you have any information about this practice? A: The contemplative walk is a time of mindful walking sometimes […]
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False self, Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer
Q: I have been practicing Centering Prayer for many years, although it doesn’t fall easy for me. One thing I have kept being frustrated about is how to view the […]
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Letting Go of All Ideas About God
Q: The inevitable end of the letting go process requires one to let go of all ideas about God, including belief in God. So one is presented with a paradox […]
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Choosing a Centering Prayer Retreat
Q: I have had a committed, active Centering Prayer practice for many years. I would like to go on a retreat and was wondering if you could advise me […]
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What are we Welcoming?
Q: Our Centering Prayer group in Ireland has been using the Welcoming prayer practice for a number of weeks after our period of Centering Prayer. There seems to be […]
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Lectio Divina in a Centering Prayer Group
Q: What is effect of having a book discussion immediately after a Centering Prayer session with a group? I thought you shouldn’t engage in intellectual discussions. Are there guidelines […]
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Spiritual Experiences in Centering Prayer
Q: I would like clarification of what appears to be a contradiction in Thomas Keating’s teaching. On the one hand, he says that perceptions are thoughts and therefore, to be […]
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Centering Prayer and Arising Energies
Q: I have been practicing Centering Prayer for some time. Around two months ago during this prayer I had a strange experience. I felt some powerful force/energy entering my […]
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The Second Movement of Welcoming Prayer
Q: Is step two of Welcoming Prayer — the opportunity to consent to the Divine Indwelling — the same thing as ‘casting your cares’ upon the Lord? A: Thanks for […]
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Autism and the Practice of Centering Prayer
Q: I have autism but I’m highly functional. It seems like during Centering Prayer my mind/brain goes almost always to memories of my past. Are there any special recommendations for […]
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What If I only have 15 minutes to practice?
Q: If I only have about 15 minutes a day to practice Centering Prayer, is this still beneficial? A: It is wonderful to dedicate some time to resting in God […]
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Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer and Anger
Q: Centering Prayer has changed my life. At times it’s hard, though it does not get old. So thank you for this method of prayer. It helps me to […]
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Judging our Practice
Q: I’ve been doing Centering Prayer for eight years now. I do two sessions of 20 minutes nearly every day. Sometimes I miss the 2nd sit, but that is […]
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The Experience of Apathy
Q: I have been spending time with the Spiritual Journey program, and I just watched the video ‘Frustrations Caused by the Emotional Programs’ (from Part 2 of the ‘Human […]
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Centering Prayer, Jesus Prayer, Welcoming Prayer
Q: Can I practice Centering Prayer as my main prayer (morning and afternoon) and during the day practice the Jesus prayer? Am I using two practices with different meanings and […]
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Is Centering Prayer for the Non-Religious?
Q: I’m a practitioner of “A Course in Miracles” and other non-religious pathways. Can I or anyone that is not a traditional Christian practice Centering Prayer? Is Centering Prayer for […]
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Centering Prayer and Yoga Nidra
Q: I would like to ask about the connection between Centering Prayer and Yoga Nidra. I once went on a three-day silent retreat where we did Centering Prayer three times a […]
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Centering Prayer, Distractions and Discouragement
Q: I’ve been practising Centering Prayer for many years now and I still get very distracted and my mind is very busy and I rarely feel rested at the […]
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Centering Prayer and Mental Health Challenges
Q: A very seminal moment/question for me. I have been in contemplative prayer practice daily for almost 10 years. I understand the “falling away” of the false self with devotion […]
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Why is 20 Minutes Recommended for Centering Prayer?
Q: Why is 20 minutes the suggested time for contemplation? Historically has that always been the length? Any particular reason for 20 minutes? Can it be shorter? A: I answer […]
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Can I Practice More Than One Form of Meditative Prayer?
Q: I’ve been meditating for about 10 years every day three or four times for about 30 minutes each. I’ve practiced mantra and just sitting or Shikantaza, Later on I’ve […]
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Q&A with Fr. Carl J. Arico Archive: Related to Centering Prayer
On or related to Centering Prayer Q: I started doing Centering Prayer about a year and a half ago. I was quite strict about two 20 minute periods a day at the […]
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