Life is full—crowded calendars, constant noise, responsibilities pressing in from every side. In the midst of it all, we may find ourselves asking: Where is the peace Jesus promised? Why am I not more joyful?
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Yet these do not grow from striving harder or adding one more thing to our to-do list. They come when we rest in God—when we learn to abide in his presence and surrender to his love. In that resting, we discover a freedom and joy that the world cannot give.
Centering Prayer is one way of learning to rest in God. It is a simple, ancient practice of consent—of setting aside our thoughts, distractions, and agendas to be still before the One who loves us. In that stillness, our hearts open. We begin to see the world with new eyes, and we move step by step toward union with God.
This practice draws from the rich tradition of Christian contemplatives like the Desert Fathers and Mothers, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and more recently, Thomas Keating and the Contemplative Outreach movement.
In the stillness of Centering Prayer, many discover:
• A deeper sense of God’s presence in daily life
• Greater inner peace and emotional balance
• Freedom from the constant chatter of thoughts and worries
• A more authentic relationship with the Divine
• Increased compassion for others and themselves
• A sanctuary of silence they can carry wherever they go
Whether you’re seeking deeper intimacy with God, longing for peace amidst life’s storms, or simply curious about this ancient-yet-timely practice, you are welcome here. Centering Prayer is not about perfection or achieving mystical experiences—it’s about showing up, being present, and allowing yourself to be held by the Love that has always been seeking you.
Please join us for a communal learning experience of this contemplative journey into the love of God. Beginning next Wednesday, September 10, we are offering the six-session Centering Prayer & Beyond: Entering the Contemplative Journey. Follow the link to sign up, we look forward to sharing this sacred journey with you,
Harry Plantinga and Esther Yff-Prins
