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For those beginning in Centering Prayer, or short on time, this practice will help you to still into prayer, and then hold five minutes of silence.

In the silence, our intention is to remain attentively present to the Divine Presence.

A huge variety of thoughts and sensations will vie for your attention, and when you realise that your focus has drifted away, simply and gently turn yourself back to God by using a sacred word.

Contemplative.org says “This is a word or short phrase that helps you to let go of thoughts. It is a reminder of your intention to remain open to the silence. Generally sacred words fall into one of 2 categories: “God” words/phrases such as “Abba”, “Jesu, “Mary”, “Reality”, “Come Lord” or “state” words/phrases such as “love”, “peace”, “be still”. Sacred words are not used as mantras, as in constantly repeating them, but as a reminder of your intention to remain open.”

Take a moment before you begin to settle on your word, and then we’ll move into prayer together. This meditation includes three minutes of stilling, five minutes of silence, and two minutes closing.

The closing prayer is the New Zealand Anglican Lord’s Prayer.

Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God’s love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina.

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All music by Pete Hatch. Bell chime is the recording of a church gong from SoundsLikeWillem at free sound.org.