How can you prepare yourself to enter the sacred space where the vast openness of your heart can meet the One who fills completely that openness? In the days ahead we can review once more the prayer practice taught by Fr. Thomas Keating.... centering prayer. However, for today, try this....
Allow at least 5-10 minutes for this practice. You may want to set a timer (cell phones work well for this!)Then promise yourself that you won't look at the time while you are praying. Allow yourself to be in a still, comfortable position. Gently close your eyes. Feel yourself breathing. Relax your hands, jaw and tongue. Allow the following words to gently flow through your mind. (Psalm 46:10) Between each phrase allow yourself to take a deep but gentle breath, and as you slowly exhale pray the words....Between phrases, inhale and exhale gently once or twice, allowing yourself to rest in the prayer.
Be still and know that I am God....
Be still and know that I am....
Be still and know....
Be Still.....
Be.......(Pray this single word, Be, for several moments as you gently breathe.)
Now you may want to reverse the process
Be....
Be Still.....
Be Still and know that I am.....
Be Still and know that I am God....
Close with the Lord's prayer, if desired.
Allow yourself to experience this gentle prayer slowly. Let there be sufficient space between the phrases. You may want to do this several times a day, allowing yourself to move more regularly into God's presence in "stillness".
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