CENTERING PRAYER INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Choose a sacred word of 1-2 syllables.

  2. Find a comfortable position.

  3. When you notice thoughts entering your mind, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

  4. At the end of the sit, remain seated for 2 to 3 minutes.

PERIODS OF CENTERING PRAYER

Most periods of Centering Prayer will consist of 3 periods of 20 minutes duration each. On the last two days of the retreat, the number of periods of Centering will slowly decrease to prepare us to return to the world. Following is the progression for 3 periods of Centering Prayer.

  1. When everyone is seated in the meditation room, the facilitator will ring the prayer bowl three times to indicate the beginning of the first period of Centering. At the morning sit, the Psalmist/grace-giver will slowly read the daily Psalm. The Scripture reader will then slowly read the scripture. There are no Psalms at the mid-morning and afternoon sit, so the Scripture reader will read after the bell is rung.

  2. After 20 minutes, the bell will ring once to indicate that the first 20 minute sit is ending and that the Meditative Walk (see instructions below) will begin after a minute or two.

  3. After the Meditative Walk, when everyone is seated, the bell will ring once to indicate the beginning of the second period of centering.

  4. After 20 minutes, the bell will ring once to indicate the end of the second 20 minute sit and that the Meditative will begin in a minute or two.

  5. After the Meditative Walk, when everyone is seated, the bell will ring once to indicate the beginning of the third period of centering.

  6. At the end of the third period of Centering, the facilitator will ring the prayer bowl 3 times to indicate the sit is complete. Please remain in silence for 2 to 3 minutes.

MEDITATIVE WALK

Between each 20 minute period of Centering Prayer, you may participate in the Meditative Walk, or remain in the silence. The Meditative Walk allows us to practice extending the silence into our daily lives.

  1. At the beginning of the retreat day, facilitators will demonstrate the Meditative Walk. Depending upon the size of the group, there will be one or two circles.

  2. When the bell rings to indicate the end of the 20 minute sit, remain in the silence for a minute or two.

  3. When beginning and ending the walk, all participants will rise together and be seated together, to honor those who have chosen to stay in the silence.