Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer fosters a relationship with God and is a discipline to deepen that relationship. It is based on wisdom teachings from the Desert Mothers and Fathers of the 3rd/4th Centuries, and the 14th-century guidebook to contemplation The Cloud of Unknowing. It is a simple yet effective method for consenting to the action of the Spirit within.
Carl McColman is a contemplative writer, teacher, soul friend, and storyteller. His books include The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Unteachable Lessons, and Befriending Silence. He is a progressive Christian who profoundly appreciates interspiritual exploration.
Carl maintains a blog on his website, www.carlmccolman.com. He is also the co-host of the Encountering Silence podcast (www.encounteringsilence.com).
Carl first received instruction in contemplative spirituality at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, and later became a life-professed Lay Cistercian (a layperson under the spiritual guidance of Trappist monks) and is a commissioned Centering Prayer facilitator.
www.carlmccolman.com
www.encounteringsilence.com
www.carlmccolman.com/books/
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