Do you ever wonder if you are meditating the right way? The best way? Is there a best practice to center ourselves and “be still” in prayer?
I wonder such things.
And the wondering is why I recently read the book, Everything Belongs. Richard Rohr is considered an expert on contemplative prayer. He’s an international speaker, a humble voice of wisdom in a loud world of internet chaos where wisdom is hard to find.
What is contemplative prayer?
Contemplative prayer is a wordless, loving awareness of God in which you simply remain present to the Divine, resting in silent faith rather than speaking many thoughts or requests. It is less about saying prayers and more about being with God in attentive, trusting stillness.
Thank you, AI, for that definition.
Sounds good to me. When I was in sixth grade, the meanest nun in my Catholic school would start each class with a simple order. “Let’s take a moment to sit in the presence of God.” We all closed our eyes and tried not to giggle. At age 60, I still try to sit in that same presence.
I often wonder if I’m doing it in the most effective way. In his book, Rohr has a practical and simple strategy to help people like me get into this presence in contemplative prayer.
He advises the usual… sit still, choose a posture, close your eyes, focus on breathing, yada, yada, yada…
But then, he suggests the following routine.
The step-by-step practice
In your mind, focus on the phrase: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
After some time, focus on a shorter version of this phrase: “Be still and know.”
And then, “Be still.”
Finally, “Be.”
This process is a spiritual exercise for those who want to connect to God, a Higher Power, or Source Energy. It helps us to focus. This is a centering prayer to be … here… now. Try it.
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know.
Be still.
Be.
Just do it now.
As my sixth-grade teacher once said, “Let’s take a moment to sit in the presence of God.”
And then let’s practice being aware of this presence throughout the day. See where it leads you. Follow your energy.
You may be wondering about the book’s title, Everything Belongs. What does it mean in practical terms? I have no idea. I finished the book. I’m not recommending you read it, although many seem to love it. Rohr often writes in circles, in my opinion, and it’s hard to find any real takeaways.
Just try the practice.
John
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