Years ago I read a book by Fr. Thomas Keating called "Intimacy with God" wherein he wrote at length about contemplative prayer. I also found interviews with Keating online where he discusses the same. He coined the term "Centering Prayer". The essence is you enter into silent prayer while focusing upon a single Biblical verse or even a single word. There is no mantra -- you don't repeat or chant the word. Rather you sit with the word, focusing all your attention upon it and allow God to do the rest. I prayed in that manner years ago. I quite liked it and enjoyed fruitful results but sort of let the practice slide.
Has anyone else had any experience with this?
What you are describing and regardless of the authors warning (Thomas Keating) this is actually approaching a type of meditation.
Now I am in NO way an expert on this, but I am able to say that although this might sound like an innocent exercise, this type of prayer has no scriptural support whatsoever.
In fact, it is just the opposite of how prayer is defined in the Bible.
Phipippians 4:6..........
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
John 16:23-24............
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete”.
These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehendible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation meant to clear the mind of thought. A centering prayer is more like mystical chanting than true communication with God.
But that is just my opinion and in no way should be considered as the final word.
