Last week I discussed the role of fasting in our Lenten discipline, how fasting creates a space in our hearts for Christ. The second traditional Lenten discipline, prayer, fills the soul with divine nectar.
Each Christian is called to prayer daily. Many have a personal rhythm of prayer: some pray in the morning, others before bedtime, and others voice spontaneous prayers during the day. All of this is good, but there can be more.
Review your personal prayer. Is it mostly or exclusively asking God for help (e.g., strength, insight)? These are real needs. Other common prayer is thanks and praise of God. Again, most commendable. Personal prayer, however, ought to include something more…or rather, “less.” I am speaking of centering prayer that is simply quiet presence before the Lord. That’s all. No words, no ideas, no product; most simply being.
Let me relate this to an interesting research project by scientists who are studying the brain activity of athletes while they are engaged in their sport. These athletes here hooked up with electrodes. Well, the data indicate that these athletes have minimal cortical activity during the sport actions. They seem to be moving “on auto-pilot.” They are not thinking consciously about what they are doing while they are doing it, and doing it quite incredibly well. They perform their (athletic) best when they are “in the zone”, a self-forgetful zone. Centering prayer is analogous to this. One sits, intentionally before God with an open mind and heart, but it is an actionless “zone” where this communion takes place. And it too brings out the best in us.
For Lent, determine for yourself a five minute “zone” with Christ. Be specific about then this takes place, otherwise we drift away from our resolve. Be specific about where you will do this centering prayer; one is best if there is not the danger of being disturbed. Can this happen at home? at a church? where? Begin by making the sign of the cross. Then read aloud (even a whisper) the psalm response of the day or the gospel of the day. Let that suspend itself before me as a holy word. But sit then for three or four minutes in silence. If need be, use a phrase from the psalm as a repeated mantra that helps to avert my mind’s desire to fill the space with plans or analysis. These three minutes are a “free zone,” a “time out” for me with Christ. Do this for thirty-some days and you will begin to notice a difference in yourself, a peace that comes from the Divine.
This is a rich treasure that awaits any who stops long enough to abide with the Lord. Lent bids us to slow down, to ‘let be’ and to become the disciple who hears and then obeys the life-giving (silent) Word of God. Shall we not be different persons because of this?
There is an opportunity for Centering Prayer here at St. Paul. On Monday evenings at 6-7 pm in the Newman/Library room, Mr. Ramon Garcia of St. Paul, who has been doing centering prayer for years, is teaching this method and guiding the time. All welcome.
Lent in practical terms: Prayer
