Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Centering

Previously, we looked to prayer as one means of coping with the chaos and uncertainty of times like this. We discussed the role of honestly sharing not only our joys and praises with God, but also our laments and our griefs. We looked at using the daily office as a means of marking time and providing structure to our days. And we looked at reaching out to a prayer partner to hold ourselves accountable and to provide us with much needed social interaction.

Today we turn to a more individual form of prayer, centering. In general, centering is about finding peace in the midst of chaos and slowing things down to make ourselves more aware of the world around us. Through centering, we let go of our fears and worries and attempt to bring balance to our inner thoughts. The idea of centering has a home in many traditions and disciplines, from religion to martial arts to modern psychology.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Prayer

Communication is a key aspect of all relationships. It is extremely difficult to have a relationship with someone with whom you have no way of communicating. This communication can take many forms, from speaking to writing to nonverbal cues such as a raised eyebrow or a gently squeezed hand.

Our relationship with God is no different. It requires communication.

Obviously one of the primary ways we communicate with God is through prayer. We turn to God in moments of individual prayer and communal prayer, in prayers spoken out loud and prayers offered in silence, in carefully scripted prayers and in prayers that flow forth spontaneously. Prayer is a time for us to offer to God all that we are thinking, feeling, and desiring in that moment.