We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, grass — grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence…We need silence to be able to touch souls. — Mother Teresa
Centering Prayer is the opening of mind and heart to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. Through grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing–closer than consciousness itself. It is an ancient form of prayer, existing in one form or another from earliest times in all major faith traditions in the world.
St. Matthew’s centering prayer group meets in the Sanctuary on Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Generally the group does a 20 minute “sit” beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. followed by a book study / discussion. Newcomers are welcome and encouraged, and no prior experience with this type of prayer is required to attend. If you have questions, please contact Susan Carson.
Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness, we know what to do and what not to do to help. — Thich Nhat Hanh