Should Catholics Use Centering Prayer? - New Evangelizers

In her book, Is Centering Prayer Catholic?, author Connie Rossini takes a deeper look at the controversy surrounding a prayer technique commonly called Centering Prayer. The controversy flows from what the definition of true contemplative prayer is, and what the real purpose of such prayer. There are strong feelings and strong arguments on both sides of the issue, so how is the beginner who wants to deepen his or her prayer life to know what to believe or how to proceed?
With her solid background in Carmelite spiritualty (see Connie’s website http://contemplativehomeschool.com/what-is-carmelite-spirituality/ for more information), Connie is well able to define each type of prayer and make distinctions between centering prayer and contemplative prayer.
Connie covers a lot of ground in a short book, but this was not a hindrance in understanding her main points. Advocates of centering prayer draw heavily on the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. John Cassian to support their position. Connie lays the assertions of Fr. Keating and other proponents of centering prayer side by side with the teachings of these Carmelite saints and demonstrates how they are similar and how they are different in language that is easy for a beginner to understand.
There is also a section on the history and development of centering prayer, which touches on why and how this method was developed/ Here the author explores similarities between centering prayer and the prayer of the Eastern religions, pointing out how they differ from the contemplative prayer developed by the great saints of Christian tradition.
The book focuses most sharply on what the goal of true prayer is and how to approach it with a spirit of humility so that we can be open to receiving God’s grace. True prayer is an active dialog and conversation between Christ and the soul. Though, as with any good conversation, there may be a time of silence, there is never emptiness. The mind and heart should stay recollected on Christ. Connie also spends some time explaining the difference between recollection, our action, and infused contemplation, God’s action. There is room for much more depth here, and if we are fortunate, Connie may write another volume dedicated to this subject alone
Connie is quite clear throughout on her position on centering prayer, but she also leaves her readers free to raise questions and concerns. The controversy is far from over, but here we have a valuable tool for our own discernment.

Carol Ann Chybowski

Carol Ann Chybowski is a long time member of the Catholic Writers Guild. She has published book reviews at various websites and appears in two volumes of A Community of Voices: An Anthology of Santa Barbara. When not busy about her parish, Carol Ann can be found knitting, gardening, or on horseback.