Meditation and Centering Prayer

Presentation by Fr. James Steffes

Father Steffes provided us with the following prayer aids:

Prayer: Going to God with the stuff of life- use the acronym ARRR

Acknowledge- notice and admit honestly what is going on with me.
Relate- talk to God straightforwardly about thoughts, feelings, desires.
Receive- let God love you; open self to His grace.
Respond- with gratitude, by saying "yes," by renouncing lies.

Centering Prayer

• Quiet yourself (posture, relaxation, breathing)
• Enjoy your own inner calm and silence; listen to His presence
• Allow a single word to come into the silence (Jesus, Lord, love)
• slowly and effortlessly, repeat your word- allow it to lead you more deeply into God's presence at the center of your being
  (Whenever you become aware of any thoughts or images, simply return to your word.)
• Slowly move back to silent awareness
• Make a conscious interior prayer (such as "Our Father")

Christian Meditation

• Quiet yourself (posture, relaxation, breathing)
• Pray for special grace needed or sought
• Pray with Sacred Scripture
• Exercise the intellect by considering a (supernatural) Truth
• Exercise the will by arousing devout feelings and affections
• Dialogue with the Lord
• Make a practice, particular resolution
• Enter into vocal prayer (Our Father)