A six-hour introductory workshop, conducted by a commissioned Presenter, trained by Contemplative Outreach, is typically held on a weekend. Though it can be split into two sessions, e.g. two evenings, it is not advisable to spread the workshop over more than a two-day period.
The goal of the workshop is to teach the method of Centering Prayer and encourage a daily prayer practice. The workshop consists of four conferences, and two periods of practicing Centering Prayer. Topics covered are:
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Prayer as a relationship with God. Centering Prayer and the Christian contemplative heritage. |
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The method of Centering Prayer, taught and practiced |
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The use of the Sacred Word in Centering Prayer explained |
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The fruits of Centering Prayer and extending the benefits into daily life. |
Weekly Sessions, An Essential Element of the Introduction The Six Week Follow-up Sessions; Contemplative Outreach supports participants during the weeks after the Introductory Workshop, as they are establishing a daily commitment to a practice of Centering Prayer. These weekly sessions, conducted by a Facilitator trained by Contemplative Outreach, generally consist of:
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A twenty minute period of Centering Prayer |
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Viewing a video tape by Fr. Thomas Keating which provides both a conceptual background for Centering Prayer and consideration of the Christian Contemplative Heritage
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A twenty-minute period of questions and sharing related to the videotapes and the experience of Centering Prayer
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Centering Prayer in a group can be very supportive and encouraging to those establishing a daily prayer practice. The sharing and discussion period guided by the Facilitator can prove helpful to integrating Centering Prayer with more familiar forms of prayer. A videotape series by Fr. Thomas Keating offers a deeper understanding of the Method of Centering Prayer and its conceptual background, which touches on the place of Centering Prayer in our Christian Contemplative Heritage.
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