Prayer Practices
VAUMC 2025
CENTERING PRAYER
Get into a comfortable position. Hands free and open. Cell phone silenced and turned over or put away. Breathe in and out 3 times to help relax. Invite the presence of God: “Come Holy Spirit.” Let go of “to-do” lists; concerns, worries or replaying of the day’s events. When these do come to mind, gently move them aside. Saying a word like “Jesus” or “Spirit” or “peace” will help. Notice the thoughts and feelings that arise. Ask yourself: What is the state of my mind? Thank God for the time together.
Book Links:
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson
Habits of a Child’s Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines by Valerie E. Hess and Marti Watson Garlett.
Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation by Daniel Wolpert.
Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices by Daniel Wolpert.
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster.