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Centering Prayer: Dealing with Distractions

February 27, 2012

A main facilitating condition for growth in spiritual presence is the practice of non-discursive meditation.  We pray non-discursively when we sit quietly before God without relying on words or images or ideas to guide our activity.

     Distractions are a common complaint among those who strive to practice this form of prayer.  Why is this so?  Because in fact it is nearly impossible for us to "stop" the normal flow of thoughts.  The intellect produces thoughts and images; this is natural.  St. Teresa of Avila noted that the constant activity of thoughts was like having a mad-woman in the house.  She affirmed that it was possible nonetheless, even in the midst of clamor, to be deeply united with God in the depths of one’s soul. 

     Our practice during the period of centering prayer (our 15, 20, or 30 minutes of silence) is to "just sit" peacefully before God.  We are not trying to do or accomplish anything.  Our silent presence is a self-emptying that creates space for God to enter into us.

     So what do I do if I notice I'm getting caught up in thoughts, memories or emotions? External distractions and mental digressions are commonly experienced obstacles during meditation practice. I should  relax my attention and return to the practice of being simply present in this moment.  Distractions may decrease over time as the meditator becomes more adept at concentrating attention and simply taking note of distractions without giving in to their attraction.  Take note of the distraction, but then let it go, returning peacefully to the exercise.

     God is not judging our prayer; he is pleased just to have us sitting and making time for him and the Holy Spirit to work in us.  Nor should we judge our prayer time.  We may feel that we are too anxious or unquiet.  It is okay.  The important thing is to sit quietly and do our best.  Even the greatest saints had distractions during prayer.  Their love of God drew them to continue their practice. 

     A person might wonder: What is the value of this practice?  It settles us and reminds us to focus on God.  Most of the day will be busy. We may not find time to think of God.  But if we have taken time to sit once or twice a day with God as our focus, we will gradually feel the effects of this practice and our daily living will become more gentle, more spacious, more centered on God.

     A person might wonder: What is the value of this practice?  It settles us and reminds us to focus on God.  Most of the day will be busy. We may not find time to think of God.  But if we have taken time to sit once or twice a day with God as our focus, we will gradually feel the effects of this practice and our daily living will become more gentle, more spacious, more centered on God.

     The time we spend sitting quietly before God doing nothing in particular is an act of faith.  We don't expect anything.  We simply allow ourselves to have a good intention: to make space for God.  To let ourselves trust in the mysterious process of drawing close to the Mystery of God's Love for us.

     Above all, do not strain or exert yourself in this practice.  Centering prayer is a gentle process of converting our ordinary scattered modes of consciousness, and of deepening our experience of simple and satisfying spiritual presence.



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Last updated: 11/25/10.