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Has New York noise been
wearing you down? Are you yearning for a little space and time for quiet and
contemplation? Is your prayer life in need of support? You might consider trying
the discipline of Centering Prayer.
Centering Prayer is a particular method of contemplative prayer, a way of
opening ourselves to God’s presence without the words and images of other forms
of prayer. It is not unlike Buddhist meditation, except the purpose is
different: rather than seeking to empty the mind, one uses this method to focus
the conscious attention and allow the whole self to settle into the presence of
God. There is no perfect meditation to aim for; it is simply the practice of
‘showing up’ and waiting on God.
St. Michael’s has had some form of group practice of Centering Prayer off
and on for years. Praying together in a group is remarkably supportive of the
discipline – you show up because the group is there – and of the prayer itself.
The group meets for half an hour at 6:30 pm on Wednesday evenings in the chapel.
Enter through the 99th St. Parish House door. You can also learn more at
www.centeringprayer.com.
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