From a series of lectures given by Rev. Dr. D Brian Austin

Centering Prayer

Focus Consent
You’re not trying to focus on God; you’re consenting to God’s presence and action.
Sacred word as a “gesture/symbol of willingness/intention.”
return to it gently whenever you notice you’ve become absorbed in thoughts.
Letting go - “kenosis”
Returning to the sacred word is an act of kenosis, the same pattern of self‑emptying Jesus embodies.
Nondual awareness
Centering Prayer rewires consciousness toward perceiving from wholeness rather than separation.

Lectio Divina
when mediating/praying on a passage

Gathering:
Settle Body breathe slowly, Open prayer
Lectio:
First Reading
Notice what shimmers — a word, phrase, image, or feeling that catches your attention
Meditatio -Reflect:
Second Reading
What does it stir in you — comfort, resistance, curiosity?
What part of your life does it touch
Oratio:
Third Reading
You speak back to God from the heart.
Contemplatio:
Sit quietly. Let the sense of being guided settle into your body. You stop talking and simply be with God

Gathering
Settle Body breathe slowly, Open prayer
Visio — Look
Image revealed. Notice what draws your attention—colors, expressions, gestures, symbols.
Reflect
Let the image speak. Return to the detail that held you.
Oratio — Respond
Loom once more.Talk to God about what you noticed.
Contemplatio — Contemplate
Rest silently in God’s presence. Let the image become a doorway into stillness.

Pray for clarity
Begin by asking God for the grace to pray, to see and to know yourself clearly.
Give thanks
Look at your day in a spirit of gratitude.
Everything’s a gift from God, even the falls become chances to ask for mercy and return to Him.
Review the day
Led by the Holy Spirit, take a minute to look over your day.
Pay attention to your experiences. Look for God in them.
Name the falls
Face up to your sins and failures.
Ask forgiveness and ask God to show you ways to improve.
Resolution for the day to come
Where do you need God tomorrow?
What will you do to ensure you are following Him?