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Opening the heart to God
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer. It offers a way of becoming still, opening the heart and resting in God’s presence.
Drawing on the Christian contemplative tradition and the teaching of Thomas Keating, the practice helps us move beyond words and reflection into a more receptive form of prayer. It is both a relationship with God and a discipline that helps us become more available to that relationship.
“Prayer … is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.”
— Saint Teresa of Jesus (Avila)
The practice
Centering Prayer is not about achieving a particular state, emptying the mind or preventing thoughts from arising.
During the silence, thoughts, feelings and distractions will naturally come and go. We practise gently letting them go and returning to our intention to be present and receptive to God.
Over time, this simple practice can help deepen our relationship with God and nurture a greater sense of attentiveness, unity and wholeness in everyday life.
What happens at a gathering?
Each gathering runs for approximately 50 minutes and includes:
A short reflection drawing on Scripture or Christian spiritual writing
Gentle guidance into the practice
An extended period of shared silence
An invitation to remain afterwards for conversation and social time
No previous experience is needed. People from any background who are open to Christian contemplative prayer are welcome.
Your facilitator
Kathryn Pile has practised various forms of meditation over many years and holds a Graduate Certificate in Guiding Meditation from Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity.
Drawing on her ecumenical Christian background and longstanding connection with the Carmelite Centre, Kathryn offers gentle guidance into silence and a deeper attentiveness to God’s presence.
Gathering details
FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH | 1.00pm–2.00pm
Social time follows the prayer session
Malone Room
The Carmelite Centre
214 Richardson Street
Middle Park, Victoria
Whether Centering Prayer is already part of your life or you are encountering it for the first time, you are warmly invited to join us.
Come as you are and share in a welcoming community of silence, prayer and presence.
Register for Centering Prayer
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ALL WELCOME
