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.