Centering Prayer

Imagine two friends sitting in silence, content to simply be with one another. They have a sense of calm and comfort in the ease of their relationship. Centering prayer offers this same feeling.

Part of an ancient contemplative tradition, centering prayer allows individuals to turn within and rest in God’s presence. The practice can be particularly rewarding for individuals caught up in the demanding details of daily life or caring for others. In as few as five minutes, you can connect with the inner peace of God and experience renewal.

Whether practiced individually or within a group, the rhythm of centering prayer can contribute to both mental and physical wellness.

• Find a quiet place. Assume a comfortable sitting position, keeping your back straight and feet on the ground. You may find it helpful to set a timer to mark the prayer period.

• Relax and quiet both your body and your mind. Follow your breathing. Close your eyes and gently become aware of your deepest center.

• Choose a single, sacred word of one or two syllables. The word may be a name you call God (Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother) or a word that speaks to your understanding of God (Love, Faith, Peace, Trust).

• Say your word inwardly and focus on God’s presence in you. When you become aware of competing thoughts, feelings or sensations, gently return to your sacred word.

• At the end of your prayer period, remain in silence for a few minutes allowing a favorite saying or prayer to speak itself to you. Slowly open your eyes.

Centering prayer cultivates a capacity to be cared for and accept help more readily from others, as it attunes practitioners to Christ’s presence elsewhere in their lives. Over time, centering prayer brings a relationship with God from the awkward stage of acquaintance to a level of friendship where being in each other’s company, even in silence, is deeply satisfying.

Perspective on Obedience

Obedience is a response to listening to the Word of God in scripture and one another. The Latin words for listening and obedience come from the same root. Our listening to God's word is meant to result in concrete action in our lives.

Sister Lynne on Unity.fm

Sister Lynne is live on Internet radio! On Monday, November 10 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (CST), she’ll follow in the footsteps of spiritual trailblazers as a featured guest on The Leading Edge with Mindy Audlin.

Sister Lynne will share her revolutionary journey from Presbyterian minister to Benedictine Sister, offering everyday tools for your spiritual journey.

Listen for…
• Introduction into Benedictine prayer practices
• A guide to Lectio Divina, prayer of the hours
• Spiritual guidance from the Rule of Benedict

How to listen to Sister Lynne live on Unity.fm:

Visit the Unity.fm homepage and the streaming content should begin to play. If it does not, you may need to install a newer version of Windows Media Player. Unity.fm is optimized for Windows Media Player versions 7, 8 or 9. Mac Users will need to download Windows Media Player 9, and can do so by clicking here.

Meet Sister Lynne
Sister Lynne Smith was called to spiritual life as a young girl, telling her mother that she wanted to become a nun when she grew up. While her mother told her that only Catholic women could become nuns, Sister Lynne continued to feel a call to give her life in service to God and others. After over 15 years as a Presbyterian minister, she found her heart’s home in the monastic community Benedictine Women of Madison. In 2000, she made her profession to the community as the first Protestant member.