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Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life
A new, but ancient, way to pray can turn your life around. Discover how to experience God’s love at your core, freeing you to love others, and even yourself. When biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a difficult crossroad in his life, he had no idea how his life would change. “Sensing God’s love for me has been so transformational that it almost feels as though I’ve experienced conversion all over again,” he writes. He became calmer, less anxious, less reactive, freed of past wounds, and a better listener in the presence of others. Centering prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, helps you quiet your mind from the constant thoughts and impulses, and frees your true self to experience more of God’s love in the very core of your being. This inviting guide gives you practical tools to make centering prayer a consistent habit in your life, gives the history and theological foundation for the practice, and helps identify and overcome common obstacles. Beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners, will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can open you up to deep experiences of inner healing and peace.
- GenresNonfictionPrayer
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 24, 2022
Summary: An introduction to the practice of centering prayer with practical helps and theological basis, by a practitioner who found the practice transformative.
Brian Russell was an “all in” Christian–a pastor and seminary professor. Then after a twenty year marriage, he found himself divorced. All the things that had worked suddenly didn’t. It was at this point that he discovered the ancient practice of centering prayer, and in that discovered in new ways the love of God, inward healing, and what it means to love and be present to other people. In this book, he offers a practical guide for others to enter into this practice and how it may change them.
He begins with an explanation of what centering prayer is, describing it as entering into “objectless awareness.” He offers this description:
“Entering into ‘objectless awareness’ is not about dissolving into the Divine or losing our identity as an individual created being. It is about embracing the silence as a new way of perceiving or experiencing consciousness. We are no longer ‘seeing’ through the lens of a subject pondering some object. Instead, we exist in these moments in a space of silence in which we may experience our truest self being fully known by God” (p. 17).
He offers practical steps for beginning addressing time, duration (it’s OK to begin with 1-2 minutes), atmosphere, setting our intention and choosing a prayer word to deal with our thoughts. It turns out that stray thoughts are both the challenge and opportunity of centering prayer. They draw us away from silence but our non-judging awareness and use of a prayer word like “Jesus” to return to being present to God is the opportunity. He shares four “r’s” that serve as classic advice:
Resist no thought.
Retain no thought.
React to no thought.
Return ever so gently to the sacred word.
In the following seven chapters comprising the first part of this work he addresses other aspects of centering prayer. He articulates why our souls need solitude. He talks about our feeling of failure as we deal with distractions and how important the step of gently returning to our sacred word again and again may be. He offers that centering prayer is a journey into the depths of God’s love as we say “yes” to the invitation to be present to God. He differentiates it from Eastern forms of meditation or mindfulness training in that our silence is consent for God to commune with us at a heart level. We grow in surrender through the practices of the four “r’s”. He cautions against our desire for the spectacular, for some “result,” and learning to appreciate that silence with God is enough.
The second part of the book turns to the theology behind the idea of a journey into the depths of God’s holy love. He unpacks Bernard of Clairvaux’s four loves: the love of self for the sake of self, the love of God for the sake of God, the love of God for the sake of God, and finally, the love of self for the sake of God. Finally he discusses fear and love and that our only fear is of the God who loves us utterly and liberates us of all fears.
Part three of the work returns to what he so aptly calls our “hamster-wheel minds.” He offers a discussion of Evagrius’s eight distracting thoughts to help us discern the kinds of thoughts that distract us and how the surrender of these allows God’s deep transformative work on our unconscious drives. Then in part four he turns to how this process brings to surface our “false self” and using a Star Wars image, takes us into the cave where we confront ourselves, where our deep wounds and our stratagems to bolster ourselves are laid bare to the overwhelming love of God for us that frees us to break through to our true selves and embark on the upward spiral of God’s love.
The book concludes with the fruits of centering prayer. Centering prayer propels us back into the world. Being present to God enables us to be more fully present to people, to create spaces where they know they are loved by God, and by us. And sometimes that will involve forgiveness.
I found this book both remarkably practical and inspiring in its vision of transformation that reflects the experience of the author. While Russell cautions that our process of growing into intimacy with God is a lifelong process, I was a bit concerned with the presentation of centering prayer as the “silver bullet” to breakthrough. No doubt, there was an aspect in which this was so for the author and he is careful to caution against seeking the spectacular. But in reading the acknowledgements, there is evidence of spiritual counsel and Christian community that played an important role in going deeper in this practice, as did rich practices of spiritual reading. No mention of spiritual direction is made, yet for many, the companionship of spiritual friends who attend and discern may also be very important.
Yet there is this to be said. Russell has given us one of the most helpful guides to centering prayer I’ve read, combining practicalities and spiritual groundwork with a clarity that offers steps for the beginner and rich fare for those more experienced in these practices. He inspired me to renew a practice of centering prayer I’d allowed to lapse. I won’t make any claims other than it has been good to sit quietly in God’s presence. I sense Brian would say, that is good enough.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Brian Russell was an “all in” Christian–a pastor and seminary professor. Then after a twenty year marriage, he found himself divorced. All the things that had worked suddenly didn’t. It was at this point that he discovered the ancient practice of centering prayer, and in that discovered in new ways the love of God, inward healing, and what it means to love and be present to other people. In this book, he offers a practical guide for others to enter into this practice and how it may change them.
He begins with an explanation of what centering prayer is, describing it as entering into “objectless awareness.” He offers this description:
“Entering into ‘objectless awareness’ is not about dissolving into the Divine or losing our identity as an individual created being. It is about embracing the silence as a new way of perceiving or experiencing consciousness. We are no longer ‘seeing’ through the lens of a subject pondering some object. Instead, we exist in these moments in a space of silence in which we may experience our truest self being fully known by God” (p. 17).
He offers practical steps for beginning addressing time, duration (it’s OK to begin with 1-2 minutes), atmosphere, setting our intention and choosing a prayer word to deal with our thoughts. It turns out that stray thoughts are both the challenge and opportunity of centering prayer. They draw us away from silence but our non-judging awareness and use of a prayer word like “Jesus” to return to being present to God is the opportunity. He shares four “r’s” that serve as classic advice:
Resist no thought.
Retain no thought.
React to no thought.
Return ever so gently to the sacred word.
In the following seven chapters comprising the first part of this work he addresses other aspects of centering prayer. He articulates why our souls need solitude. He talks about our feeling of failure as we deal with distractions and how important the step of gently returning to our sacred word again and again may be. He offers that centering prayer is a journey into the depths of God’s love as we say “yes” to the invitation to be present to God. He differentiates it from Eastern forms of meditation or mindfulness training in that our silence is consent for God to commune with us at a heart level. We grow in surrender through the practices of the four “r’s”. He cautions against our desire for the spectacular, for some “result,” and learning to appreciate that silence with God is enough.
The second part of the book turns to the theology behind the idea of a journey into the depths of God’s holy love. He unpacks Bernard of Clairvaux’s four loves: the love of self for the sake of self, the love of God for the sake of God, the love of God for the sake of God, and finally, the love of self for the sake of God. Finally he discusses fear and love and that our only fear is of the God who loves us utterly and liberates us of all fears.
Part three of the work returns to what he so aptly calls our “hamster-wheel minds.” He offers a discussion of Evagrius’s eight distracting thoughts to help us discern the kinds of thoughts that distract us and how the surrender of these allows God’s deep transformative work on our unconscious drives. Then in part four he turns to how this process brings to surface our “false self” and using a Star Wars image, takes us into the cave where we confront ourselves, where our deep wounds and our stratagems to bolster ourselves are laid bare to the overwhelming love of God for us that frees us to break through to our true selves and embark on the upward spiral of God’s love.
The book concludes with the fruits of centering prayer. Centering prayer propels us back into the world. Being present to God enables us to be more fully present to people, to create spaces where they know they are loved by God, and by us. And sometimes that will involve forgiveness.
I found this book both remarkably practical and inspiring in its vision of transformation that reflects the experience of the author. While Russell cautions that our process of growing into intimacy with God is a lifelong process, I was a bit concerned with the presentation of centering prayer as the “silver bullet” to breakthrough. No doubt, there was an aspect in which this was so for the author and he is careful to caution against seeking the spectacular. But in reading the acknowledgements, there is evidence of spiritual counsel and Christian community that played an important role in going deeper in this practice, as did rich practices of spiritual reading. No mention of spiritual direction is made, yet for many, the companionship of spiritual friends who attend and discern may also be very important.
Yet there is this to be said. Russell has given us one of the most helpful guides to centering prayer I’ve read, combining practicalities and spiritual groundwork with a clarity that offers steps for the beginner and rich fare for those more experienced in these practices. He inspired me to renew a practice of centering prayer I’d allowed to lapse. I won’t make any claims other than it has been good to sit quietly in God’s presence. I sense Brian would say, that is good enough.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 13, 2023
As someone who is fairly well versed in contemplative practices, centering prayer has always felt a bit like a mystery. While there are aspects of it that still feel mysterious, I was greatly helped by Brian’s practical, persuasive, and theological explanation of centering prayer. And, as a former student of his who knew Brian’s excellence as a Bible scholar and missional example, I was deeply blessed by how he vulnerably shared his story and the significant impact of centering prayer in his life. Thanks, Brian!
April 10, 2023
As a Vipassana meditator (a Buddhist mindfulness practice that originated in India) of 18 years, I was intrigued to read about a meditation practice from a Christian perspective. While I am neither Buddhist nor Christian, I have always remained open to the idea that there is more to my existence on earth. "Centering Prayer" brought a dimension to my meditation practice that I had been searching for. Vipassana is a very inward and solitary experience of "seeing things as they are" within the body and mind. This discipline helped me find clarity, focus, and quiet in my life through focusing on my breath and observing my sensations with acceptance and without attachment.
To my surprise, I found that centering prayer feels like a deeper rest for my mind and body. Rather than scanning for anything within me, I am giving it all over to a high power such as God/Spirit/Universe/Loving Energy/Great Mystery. I have been practicing centering prayer every day for a month now, and after most sessions, I feel a sense of deep calm and support.
Dr. Russell explains the practice of centering prayer very clearly and shares his own story of how it changed his life. His authenticity in sharing the challenges he faced in his own life was refreshing, and he writes in a way that makes it feel like I am talking to an old friend.
Many sections in the book deeply resonated with me, and I found myself underlining many passages, especially in the section about confronting the false self. This is the shadow work that Carl Jung speaks of, and confronting our shadows is not for the faint of heart! With centering prayer, I have been practicing something new-- surrendering. Overall, "Centering Prayer" is a fantastic guide for those who are looking to deepen their spiritual practice.
To my surprise, I found that centering prayer feels like a deeper rest for my mind and body. Rather than scanning for anything within me, I am giving it all over to a high power such as God/Spirit/Universe/Loving Energy/Great Mystery. I have been practicing centering prayer every day for a month now, and after most sessions, I feel a sense of deep calm and support.
Dr. Russell explains the practice of centering prayer very clearly and shares his own story of how it changed his life. His authenticity in sharing the challenges he faced in his own life was refreshing, and he writes in a way that makes it feel like I am talking to an old friend.
Many sections in the book deeply resonated with me, and I found myself underlining many passages, especially in the section about confronting the false self. This is the shadow work that Carl Jung speaks of, and confronting our shadows is not for the faint of heart! With centering prayer, I have been practicing something new-- surrendering. Overall, "Centering Prayer" is a fantastic guide for those who are looking to deepen their spiritual practice.
November 2, 2021
This book shares what happens when we open to the presence and actions of God within.
Here are my four biggest takeaways.
I cannot imagine a better way to start my day than with a morning sit. It prepares me for the abundance of the day. I need this sit. When I don’t do it, I miss it.
“Our true self—the person whom God created us to be—begins to emerge out of our times of communion with God. This is part of the deep healing that God works in our souls.” We let go of who we are not and become who we are. We begin to live from this person each day. This is true freedom and a wonderful gift from God!
Centering Prayer teaches us how to be present to life. We learn how to show up and do what the moment requires of us.
“God is richer and deeper than the theology we use to describe our beliefs.” We let God be God. We plunge into the amazing and unending depths of God. And see what happens!
Here are my four biggest takeaways.
I cannot imagine a better way to start my day than with a morning sit. It prepares me for the abundance of the day. I need this sit. When I don’t do it, I miss it.
“Our true self—the person whom God created us to be—begins to emerge out of our times of communion with God. This is part of the deep healing that God works in our souls.” We let go of who we are not and become who we are. We begin to live from this person each day. This is true freedom and a wonderful gift from God!
Centering Prayer teaches us how to be present to life. We learn how to show up and do what the moment requires of us.
“God is richer and deeper than the theology we use to describe our beliefs.” We let God be God. We plunge into the amazing and unending depths of God. And see what happens!
September 21, 2021
Brian Russell was my favorite professor in seminary. After reading his book, I realize that I was walking beside him through a difficult season in his life. So, I experienced firsthand how he drew on God's love, mercy, and grace to find a way forward. Reading the book Centering Prayer, I see more clearly what was transforming his life. After all, as he writes, "learning must translate to transformation." This book is a gift to all who suffer crushing loss. It is also a gift for those searching for greater communion with God. In the practice of centering prayer, we are to choose a word that will quiet our wandering thoughts. My word is surrender. I am so thankful Brian has surrendered his deeply personal journey so that others might learn and grow in Christ.
Rev. Ann Mann (Union Chapel UMC in Monroe Georgia)
Rev. Ann Mann (Union Chapel UMC in Monroe Georgia)
May 21, 2025
Yes, I spent a year with this book. I read it lectio style before my centering prayer practice. Having read four of Fr. Thomas Keating books on the subject I was happily surprised by the insights I gained through this very personal and down to earth approach to the practice. I read Keating with my centering prayer group, I would recommend this book for those who are approaching centering prayer without a support group. Though I would have never stuck with it on my own.
September 20, 2021
This is a book about a deeper surrender of self to a good and loving God. It is a rich intellectual description of centering prayer that collides cohesively with personal experience and theology. I highly recommend this book to others. You will be challenged to walk in new rhythms of grace with God.
January 4, 2024
Clear and compelling, Brian's book on prayer is a hidden gem. Plenty of people have written about centering prayer but Brian does so in a down to earth way. I'm not sure if he does it on purpose but he uniquely talks about it from a Wesleyan-Methodist background - centering prayer helps us to rest in God's love and helps us to love God and neighbor better. Highly recommend!
January 14, 2022
The message is clear. Just do it! The author did make some interesting points. He explained that this was a Christian form of prayer and should not be confused with middle eastern practices of meditation.
April 15, 2023
Refreshing
Brian Russell’s work in Centering Prayer is a breath of fresh air in a stale world of formulaic books on prayer. Brian gets beneath the surface and goes to the root of prayer as communion with God.
Brian Russell’s work in Centering Prayer is a breath of fresh air in a stale world of formulaic books on prayer. Brian gets beneath the surface and goes to the root of prayer as communion with God.
December 16, 2022
Outstanding
Learn more about the process and what comes up as you experience centering prayer. The tremendous growth in faith and love for Gods is a beneficial side effect!
Learn more about the process and what comes up as you experience centering prayer. The tremendous growth in faith and love for Gods is a beneficial side effect!
June 30, 2023
Thoughtful, well-written, and a really good place to start for anyone interested in learning more about centering prayer as a contemplative practice.
March 9, 2024
I would highly recommend this book to any Christian practicing meditation or prayer. It is both practical and theologically sound, gives tools to use and a guide for the expected results.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews