Thomas Keating -
Image courtesy of Cynthia McAdoo
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The Buffalo Chapter of Contemplative Outreach works to make available the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer as taught by Trappist Monk Thomas Keating. We run weekly Centering Prayer groups, Introductory Programs and annual retreats.
Contemplative prayer is a method of meditation rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition and is known traditionally as “resting in God.” Although rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, due to the non-conceptual nature of the prayer, all are welcome to this contemplative practice regardless of religious affiliation. Most people can find a way to practice as long as they are comfortable with some notion of the word "God." About Contemplative Outreach BuffaloAn Interspiritual Approach to Centering Prayer, by Keith Kristich |
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What is Contemplative Prayer?
Photo by Kenrick Mills
“Contemplation is a strange new land, where everything natural to us seems to be turned upside down— where we learn a new language (silence), a new way of being (not to do but simply to be),
where our thoughts and concepts, our imagination, senses and feelings
are abandoned for faith in what is unseen and unfelt, where God’s seeming absence (to our senses) is his presence,
and his silence is his speech.”
~ Thelma Hall
Contemplative Prayer is a non-conceptual way of prayer. During the practice of Centering Prayer we move beyond the faculties of mind and begin to “rest in God.” We pray without words, without mental images, without thoughts or visualizations. Anything that comes across the screen of consciousness during our twenty minute silent sit we simply let go. It is a practice of "non clinging" and "spiritual non-possessiveness".