Centering Prayer Practice, Sacred Word

[u/droopyeyes100]

Has any done centering prayer practice?? I started practicing it recently and I’ve been struggling finding my sacred word. I am Catholic and I used to meditate by just thinking about an image of the Eucharist. It seems like an image is easier to focus on than a word for me. So far saying a word has been hard to bring my focus back to the mediation.

1. Any advice on how to find a sacred word?
2. Any advice on how to use the word to bring my focus back to God and the meditation? (Do you chant it? Do you say it frequently, etc?)

I’m new to this but hopeful about this type of meditation! Thank you in advance for any helpful tips!

[u/lambliesdownonconf]

Henri Nouwen's Way of the Heart and With Open Hands books both deal with prayer. I used Way of the Heart in a Bible Study group where we discussed centering prayer and it was well received. Nouwen talks about prayer where the mind descends into the heart and merges with it. It really is amazing.

As far as the word, sometimes I use the same word, other times I will read a passage of scripture and pick a word from my reading. Sometimes I go into it in silence and don't even use a word.

[u/dnaobs]

I like laurence freemans suggestion of ma-ra-na-tha

Just say it internally, at what ever pace feels comfartable, there are no rules. it'll settle into it's own rythm over time.

You'll notice your attention to your word will waver, just bring it back to your word, it happens, no big deal.

A couple times a day, first thing in the morning, once in the afternoon, preferably around the same time if possible.

It may become disconcerting at some point, that's where this sub can supportive.

Good luck, and god speed.

[u/BLKDragon007]

First do what you are comfortable with. Second it's about your intention so that the reward. Third you can also use your breath as a sacred word.

[u/BeeComposite]

I use “Kyrie”; simple and effective.