What do you think?
Rate this book
Centering prayer: Renewing an ancient Christian prayer form
A book that combines the best of Eastern Christian spiritual exercises with a spirituality for the world of today, Centering Prayer offers practical suggestions for overcoming the problems that discourage people from praying well.
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
115 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
M. Basil Pennington
101 books24 followersDom M. Basil Pennington O.C.S.O. (1931–2005) was a Trappist monk and priest. He was a leading Roman Catholic spiritual writer, speaker, teacher, and director.
Pennington was an alumnus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas Angelicum where he obtained a licentiate in Theology in 1959.[1] He also earned a licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Pennington became known internationally as one of the major proponents of the Centering Prayer movement begun at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, during the 1970s.
Pennington was an alumnus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas Angelicum where he obtained a licentiate in Theology in 1959.[1] He also earned a licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Pennington became known internationally as one of the major proponents of the Centering Prayer movement begun at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, during the 1970s.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 14, 2014
This is the sixth or seventh time I have listened to this book. Twenty years ago I listened to it on cassette, read by the author and was greatly helped in my prayer life by it, found its combination of history, theological reflection and practical advice to be invaluable. My listening experiences then were much more than information gathering; Pennington provided an unexpected and profoundly devotional experience.
Of particular interest to me then and now is Pennington's thorough grounding of the practice of Centering Prayer within the larger practice of Lectio Divina with its four movements of Lectio (reading Scripture), Meditatio (reflecting on the reading), Oratio (prayer prompted by our reading and everyday experience), and Contemplatio (laying aside thought, emotion, desire, action and perception to lovingly center on the presence of God).
My one criticism of this particular audio version was the style in which it was narrated. Pennington's earlier self-narration is laid aside in favor of that of another. I hesitate to offer this criticism on account (1 of my love for the work itself. Its content is worth any minor inconveniences one might encounter in getting to it. (2 I think that for many people this narrator's style will be just fine. As the saying goes, "There can be no disputation in matters of taste."
Having said the above, I did find my patience waning as the book unfolded. The narrator's vocal style and especially his inflection was repetitive and unwavering in its repetitive nature. It struck me, perhaps because of my prior experiences with the book, as a bit thickly pious. My advice would be to listen carefully to a sample of the narration, then to expect that one will be listening to that tone and inflection over the course of several hours. It may point you in the direction of purchasing a copy to read.
Of particular interest to me then and now is Pennington's thorough grounding of the practice of Centering Prayer within the larger practice of Lectio Divina with its four movements of Lectio (reading Scripture), Meditatio (reflecting on the reading), Oratio (prayer prompted by our reading and everyday experience), and Contemplatio (laying aside thought, emotion, desire, action and perception to lovingly center on the presence of God).
My one criticism of this particular audio version was the style in which it was narrated. Pennington's earlier self-narration is laid aside in favor of that of another. I hesitate to offer this criticism on account (1 of my love for the work itself. Its content is worth any minor inconveniences one might encounter in getting to it. (2 I think that for many people this narrator's style will be just fine. As the saying goes, "There can be no disputation in matters of taste."
Having said the above, I did find my patience waning as the book unfolded. The narrator's vocal style and especially his inflection was repetitive and unwavering in its repetitive nature. It struck me, perhaps because of my prior experiences with the book, as a bit thickly pious. My advice would be to listen carefully to a sample of the narration, then to expect that one will be listening to that tone and inflection over the course of several hours. It may point you in the direction of purchasing a copy to read.
March 1, 2022
What are the main ideas?
* centering prayer "... is but a very simple method... of getting in touch with what _is_."
* centering prayer is a relatively new name for a tradition of prayer that is rooted in the desert fathers and mothers 4th and 5th century monastic practices. comtemporary centering prayer practices also have links to the eastern christian traditions (romanian and russian and others).
* the three "rules" to centering prayer (as recorded earlier by pennington): 1. at the beginning of your session, take 1-2 minutes to quiet down. then move on the next step. at the end of your practice, take a few minutes to come out. mentally using the lord's prayer or some other prayer can be helpful. 2. "after resting a bit in the center in faith-full love, we take up a single, simple word that expresses this response and begin to let it repeat itself within." 3. whenever we become aware of anything else, gently return to the repeating word.
some prefer to split the first rule into two, making 4 rules. but the general vibe of each of those directions is the same which is why it's often considered one rule/step.
* centering prayer is essentially a practice of deep listening. as we practice that listening, we become more able to listen in conversation we have with other people.
* for most people, 20 minutes of centering prayer once a day is enough. it is possible to overdo it and experience more difficulty the longer the stretch, the more likely deeper things are to arise. and if one is not trained to handle those things, the ease and benefit might be outweighed by the hardness.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
"pray as you can, don't pray as you can't." — dom chapman
if i could do a second one, it would be to practice centering prayer for 20 minutes a day and see what happens.
How would I describe the book to a friend?
this book is a dense but lovely and useful walk through the history and practice of centering prayer. i love that it is laden with quotes and references to others in the distant and near past and present. it's got tons of practice guidance (including agendas for workshops (aka retreats) from one evening to four days in length) as well as plenty of historical grounding and even a few dives into the theory and theology surrounding centering prayer as a practice. i will be holding onto this one for sure.
* centering prayer "... is but a very simple method... of getting in touch with what _is_."
* centering prayer is a relatively new name for a tradition of prayer that is rooted in the desert fathers and mothers 4th and 5th century monastic practices. comtemporary centering prayer practices also have links to the eastern christian traditions (romanian and russian and others).
* the three "rules" to centering prayer (as recorded earlier by pennington): 1. at the beginning of your session, take 1-2 minutes to quiet down. then move on the next step. at the end of your practice, take a few minutes to come out. mentally using the lord's prayer or some other prayer can be helpful. 2. "after resting a bit in the center in faith-full love, we take up a single, simple word that expresses this response and begin to let it repeat itself within." 3. whenever we become aware of anything else, gently return to the repeating word.
some prefer to split the first rule into two, making 4 rules. but the general vibe of each of those directions is the same which is why it's often considered one rule/step.
* centering prayer is essentially a practice of deep listening. as we practice that listening, we become more able to listen in conversation we have with other people.
* for most people, 20 minutes of centering prayer once a day is enough. it is possible to overdo it and experience more difficulty the longer the stretch, the more likely deeper things are to arise. and if one is not trained to handle those things, the ease and benefit might be outweighed by the hardness.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
"pray as you can, don't pray as you can't." — dom chapman
if i could do a second one, it would be to practice centering prayer for 20 minutes a day and see what happens.
How would I describe the book to a friend?
this book is a dense but lovely and useful walk through the history and practice of centering prayer. i love that it is laden with quotes and references to others in the distant and near past and present. it's got tons of practice guidance (including agendas for workshops (aka retreats) from one evening to four days in length) as well as plenty of historical grounding and even a few dives into the theory and theology surrounding centering prayer as a practice. i will be holding onto this one for sure.
November 22, 2021
I have never actually read a book on centering prayer, as it's called, even though I was once taught its simple method of silence and a personal word. But I am glad that I read Fr. Pennington's book. First, he provides the historical origins of this type of prayer in early and medieval Christianity, both east and west, and particularly in "The Cloud of Unknowing" of the 14th century (I think). And, because I'm me, I like this kind of stuff.
But, beyond this, FP goes into what are the pray-er's common expectations, a basic posture for the pray-er to take regarding the movie screen full of thoughts that are constantly on show in the mind, the affective intention of mind that leads me to this prayer, and numerous other matters that help to explain, comfort, and encourage the novice. I think it is true that this is prayer that many, to whom it is suited, will turn to permanently. And I would not be surprised if numbers of people want it. After all, many have traveled the roads of Buddhism and other far eastern forms of meditation and mysticism. It is wonderful that FP reveals that the West has a long tradition as well.
So, I recommend this book very much. Do not expect discussions of social justice, liberation theology, etc. I don't think such things are at the forefront of FP's considerations. He is more interested in prayer and love, a personal approach to God and contact with God. He does believe that this prayer will lead to a growth in loving action, but he is too wise, I think, to specify what that might be. He is careful always to note the individuality of each person's integrity and experience.
But, beyond this, FP goes into what are the pray-er's common expectations, a basic posture for the pray-er to take regarding the movie screen full of thoughts that are constantly on show in the mind, the affective intention of mind that leads me to this prayer, and numerous other matters that help to explain, comfort, and encourage the novice. I think it is true that this is prayer that many, to whom it is suited, will turn to permanently. And I would not be surprised if numbers of people want it. After all, many have traveled the roads of Buddhism and other far eastern forms of meditation and mysticism. It is wonderful that FP reveals that the West has a long tradition as well.
So, I recommend this book very much. Do not expect discussions of social justice, liberation theology, etc. I don't think such things are at the forefront of FP's considerations. He is more interested in prayer and love, a personal approach to God and contact with God. He does believe that this prayer will lead to a growth in loving action, but he is too wise, I think, to specify what that might be. He is careful always to note the individuality of each person's integrity and experience.
March 26, 2016
This is a wonderful book on centering prayer! I encourage both new and experienced centering prayer practitioners to check it out.
What happens during centering prayer? "In Centering Prayer we go beyond thought and image, beyond the senses and the rational mind, to that center of our being where God is working a wonderful work."
Why should we practice centering prayer? "God made us to be his intimate friend; that is the message woven through the whole of Scripture." Basil reminds us we enter centering prayer with no expectations. We enter centering prayer because we love God.
Who is called to live a contemplative life style? "All are called to the intimacy of contemplative union with God, not just a chosen few."
What does centering prayer teach us? "It is meant to open the way to living constantly out of the center, to living out of the fullness of who we are." Centering prayer teaches us how to live. Our silent times show us best how to live during our non silent times.
The best gift we can give is to share centering prayer with others. "If we experience in our own selves the need, the value, and the joy of being in touch with the contemplative dimension of our lives, then is it not incumbent upon us to seek to make this possible also for others? “Freely have you received, freely must you give.”
Read this book! Share the gift of centering prayer with others!
November 17, 2017
I found this book hard going. It took me a long time to wade through it all. I suppose part of this was that I was trying many of the practices along the way (with very mixed results, I confess). The writing is somewhat ponderous, with Pennington making sweeping assumptions that everyone's experience of prayer is going to be this glowing thing, and that if it isn't it's basically because you are trapped in some sin that you're unwilling to look at or give up. That kind of thing is quite irritating, especially for those of us for whom prayer has always been a struggle.
At the same time, there is great practical wisdom in the book. He takes a simple, no-nonsense approach to contemplative prayer (which he calls "centering prayer" to try and distinguish it from all other types of contemplation). He offers good instruction, and excellent theological and historical background on the prayer. The final section includes a Q&A where he addresses common questions, which was helpful, not the least because it offered some corrective to his glib assertions about everyone's experience earlier in the book.
At the same time, there is great practical wisdom in the book. He takes a simple, no-nonsense approach to contemplative prayer (which he calls "centering prayer" to try and distinguish it from all other types of contemplation). He offers good instruction, and excellent theological and historical background on the prayer. The final section includes a Q&A where he addresses common questions, which was helpful, not the least because it offered some corrective to his glib assertions about everyone's experience earlier in the book.
May 18, 2017
There is some really good stuff in here, but I wouldn't recommend reading it straight through like I did. It's kind of slow going, and there's either a lot of typos and some strange wording in most chapters, but on the whole -- you get a lot from this book. Taking some of his advice seriously will absolutely help your prayer life. Pennington is drawing from so much of the everyday richness that comes with being a Trappist monk, that no matter what your faith or lack thereof, you'll likely get something useful from this material.
August 4, 2018
Well written discourse on contemplative meditation . We can find the Source of our being in our higher selves and truly know that God (our source) truly loves us.
I rate this book 5 star as it really impressed me to begin my own contemplative prayer, again. I learned through Brother Lawrence to keep my attention on my Lord when not having to focus on my activities. This takes me a step beyond. With the quietness of this prayer I can listen to what He is telling me. I've just begun again to refocus on Him , my Source,. Through this book I now have another way to do that.
I rate this book 5 star as it really impressed me to begin my own contemplative prayer, again. I learned through Brother Lawrence to keep my attention on my Lord when not having to focus on my activities. This takes me a step beyond. With the quietness of this prayer I can listen to what He is telling me. I've just begun again to refocus on Him , my Source,. Through this book I now have another way to do that.
March 21, 2009
This is a book of prayer and in particular the prayer of contemplation. It has a lot of information about the early prayer and the renewal of that prayer being called Centering Prayer. Anyone who is really interested in personal prayer, the type that takes you inside youself and you close the door to the world and religion and methods to prayer and all other influences so it is just you and God in private; this is the book.Pennington is a monk and very good writer.
November 26, 2011
This book describes the efforts of great men and women of the Church to delve into their own prayer life with fervor and authenticity. Inspired by their example, one's own prayer life becomes a project in need of attention.
This book should be read carefully, though. There are very few practical applications that are offered; when they crop up, they should be highlighted, memorized, and treasured!
This book should be read carefully, though. There are very few practical applications that are offered; when they crop up, they should be highlighted, memorized, and treasured!
July 20, 2015
There are two things that I like about this book. First he does cover the ancient roots of centering prayer, given a solid history of it through the centuries, even though it went by other names. Second, he gives practical instruction in centering prayer, including such preparation as lectio divina. This is altogether great read if one wants to be persuaded of or instructed in this subject. And, one would think that every Christian would want that.
August 6, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, as it is opening up a new experience of the spiritual life for me. I am intrigued by Centering Prayer and how it can bring me into the divine presence and work to make me more whole. Now that I've read it, it's beckoning me to read it again.
July 19, 2016
Just being introduced to and guided through the practice of Centering Prayer and hearing Pennington's use of the Transfiguration narrative from the Gospels make reading the book well worth the time and reflection.
September 2, 2013
I read this book as part of my preparation for facilitating a broad-based retreat on prayer, and found it to be so helpful. The author's tone is conversational yet instructive and authoritative. He provided great examples and how-to as well as wonderful resources for further reading. Great job!
March 8, 2014
A motivational book on the importance of centering or contemplative prayer. I'm encouraged to move further into this prayer form in my daily time with God. Pennington writes well and is balanced in his approach.
January 18, 2015
The information in the book was good, but it would have been better as a pamphlet rather than a very repetitive full-length book. It became tiring and I kept expecting some additional insights which never really came.
February 26, 2016
Very good intro to this style of Christian meditation. I read this book many years ago as well. After years of practice at varying degrees of discipline it was good to read it again. I have a much better idea what he is getting at than I did as a seminarian.
June 26, 2018
I first read this book 35 years ago while I was in seminary. I don't think I was ready for it. I started reading it again a few years later; I don't think I made it all the way through. This time the pieces finally fit together. Very fine.
Read
February 14, 2013This book is a necessary reread for me to help me reconnect to my spirit within. Each time I read the passages, new levels of meaning appear and questions arise.
September 3, 2012
Great introduction to a very old practice of contemplation.
April 14, 2013
A classic on contemplative Christian prayer. A must read for anyone wanting to add depth and dimension to their pray life.
October 22, 2019
With this book , you gain new perspective the more you read it. Have read it twice now and each time it speaks to me differently and I feel a renewal of new thinking.
February 4, 2020
Awesome!
October 2, 2023
Loved the meat of the content and it kickstarted my practice. Centering appears not incredibly different from Zen or breath meditation practice in terms of mechanics, but it’s an easier yoke, and our path is towards friendship with Jesus.
Why easier? Got an itch? Scratch it. Can’t pray? Pray as you can. Posture? Back straight, probably on a chair. Time? Twenty minutes twice a day. Timer? No, just check the clock. Mantra? Maybe, but not needed. Carried away with thought? Come back gently. Making progress? Just do it and don’t worry about “progress.” Falling asleep? God still hears your prayer.
The end of the book includes a long question and answer section, and one particularly stood out to me. As Christians we say things like “I’ll pray for you” and then perhaps wonder how this fits into a contemplative, non-discursive context. Prayer is the deepest desire of our heart, which God knows. Discursive prayer serves to bring us more in depth with the subject of our prayer and to sustain our longing. But even if we “forget,” God still knows our heart.
I think this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter, more to the point, and then five-stars. My next one will be John Main’s much shorter work. Which I hope fulfills my wish for Pennington’s work in a shorter edition. Highly recommended regardless and stands the rest of time.
Why easier? Got an itch? Scratch it. Can’t pray? Pray as you can. Posture? Back straight, probably on a chair. Time? Twenty minutes twice a day. Timer? No, just check the clock. Mantra? Maybe, but not needed. Carried away with thought? Come back gently. Making progress? Just do it and don’t worry about “progress.” Falling asleep? God still hears your prayer.
The end of the book includes a long question and answer section, and one particularly stood out to me. As Christians we say things like “I’ll pray for you” and then perhaps wonder how this fits into a contemplative, non-discursive context. Prayer is the deepest desire of our heart, which God knows. Discursive prayer serves to bring us more in depth with the subject of our prayer and to sustain our longing. But even if we “forget,” God still knows our heart.
I think this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter, more to the point, and then five-stars. My next one will be John Main’s much shorter work. Which I hope fulfills my wish for Pennington’s work in a shorter edition. Highly recommended regardless and stands the rest of time.
March 20, 2024
This is the third book I have read about Centering Prayer, which I now practice daily. This book was written by the priest who taught the priest who taught me the prayer form, and I found it quite readable and supportive of everything that he taught me over the years. Fr. Pennington was one of the three founders of Centering Prayer (a concept first mentioned by Thomas Merton, and based upon The Cloud of Unknowing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Centering Prayer.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Centering Prayer.
November 25, 2021
Would've saved many a head and heartache.
March 17, 2022
Great book.
May 3, 2022
This was a wonderful book on contemplative prayer. If you are new to prayer, this is probably not a great one to start with, though.
June 15, 2025
As many books as I have read about centering prayer, it’s hard to believe this is the first time I have read this one. Most of the other books I have read were either ancient texts that influenced Pennington, or books influenced by him. I this is book is helpful to anyone who wants to begin a practice of Centering Prayer into their own spiritual disciplines.
December 24, 2024
I read a few pages and ponder. Took a while to finish this book.
October 18, 2017
Great book on Centering Prayer. If you like to mediate and want to make Jesus your center as you do so, this is the book for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews