HOLY THREADS

There is no way to fully grasp the love of God but the stillness of this prayer practice hopes to glimpse what feels so vast. By focusing on one sacred word that speaks to the divine connection, like Abba, Jesu, Spirit, love, peace, there is new focus on the relationship that one shares with God.

How to practice

There are four simple steps to this contemplative practice.

1. Choose a sacred word that reflects your desire to enter into God’s presence and movement.

2. Sitting comfortably with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently and whisper the sacred word into your prayer, repeating it to yourself as you center your attention on God.

3. As other thoughts creep in, re-center on your sacred word.

4. Close your practice with silent gratitude for the depth of relationship you have experienced with God.

For a deeper understanding of this practice, you may want to print a copy of this excellent resource from Contemplative Outreach entitled The Method of Centering Prayer or read one of the founders of this practice explain it in his own words in Thomas Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart.

If your phone helps you to pray, you might even opt to download the Centering Prayer Mobile App.