Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening
Book Description
Unlock the door to profound transformation with 'Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.' This guide plunges into the heart of ancient spiritual practice, revealing a pathway to stillness and inner peace in a chaotic world. As layers of distraction fade away, discover the vibrant connection between the mind and spirit, igniting a journey of self-discovery and divine awakening. With practical insights and compelling narratives, Cynthia Bourgeault invites seekers to explore the depths of their own consciousness. Are you ready to awaken the sacred stillness that lies within?
Quick Book Summary
"Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening" by Cynthia Bourgeault offers a deep and accessible exploration of centering prayer as a Christian contemplative practice. The book introduces the method’s origins, traces its links to ancient forms of contemplative prayer, and provides practical guidance for integrating silence and stillness into daily spiritual life. Bourgeault explains how centering prayer shifts the practitioner's awareness from external distractions to the presence of God within, fostering inner transformation and spiritual awakening. Through her insight and personal stories, she demystifies the practice, highlighting its compatibility with Christian faith while embracing open-hearted self-discovery. Ultimately, the book serves as both a manual for beginning the practice and a profound invitation to a renewed, experiential relationship with the divine.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
The Essence and Origins of Centering Prayer
Bourgeault begins by clarifying what centering prayer is, distinguishing it from vocal or petitionary prayer traditions. She grounds the practice in Christian contemplative heritage, drawing connections to mystics like Thomas Keating and the Desert Fathers. Centering prayer is framed as a silent prayer of resting in God, beyond words or images, inviting practitioners into direct experience with the divine. The book demonstrates that the heart of centering prayer lies in intention and receptivity, transforming prayer from outward speech to inward listening.
Letting Go: Consent and Internal Stillness
Central to Bourgeault’s approach is the role of letting go, or consent. The practice encourages surrendering thoughts and distractions, not through force, but by gently returning attention to a sacred word. This consent—offering one's innermost being to God—cultivates a spacious interior silence where old patterns can release. By describing her own journey and struggles, Bourgeault normalizes the challenge of persistent thoughts, emphasizing that each return to silence is an act of faith and growth.
Transformation of Consciousness
Through centering prayer, Bourgeault explains, the structure of egoic consciousness gradually dissolves, opening space for new perception. The process leads to what she terms a transformation of consciousness: instead of rigid self-identification with thoughts and feelings, the practitioner anchors awareness in the divine presence within. Over time, this shift results in increased compassion, humility, and a greater sense of union with others and with God. The prayer becomes less about self-improvement and more about awakening to divine reality.
Practical Techniques for Sustained Practice
For readers seeking practical guidance, Bourgeault provides detailed instructions on beginning and sustaining a centering prayer practice. She addresses common challenges such as restlessness, doubt, and the desire for results. Her suggestions for group practice and supportive structures make it accessible for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. She emphasizes consistency and patience, noting that transformation unfolds through faithful, repeated return to the practice, regardless of how it feels on any given day.
Integrating Inner Awakening with Daily Life
As the book concludes, Bourgeault discusses how centering prayer leads to inner awakening that permeates all aspects of life. The fruits of the practice manifest in greater responsiveness, resilience, and love in day-to-day interactions. Bourgeault encourages integrating mindful awareness into ordinary activities, allowing the boundaries between prayer and life to dissolve. Ultimately, centering prayer is presented as a path not only to personal peace but also to deeper engagement with the world, grounded in divine presence and compassion.
Download This Summary
Get a free PDF of this summary instantly — no email required.