Join a Centering Prayer Circle

Guided Centering Prayer Circle Session

Wherever Two or More Are Gathered...

Jesus promises to be with those who gather in his name. Come and drink deeply of his presence.

We have two weekly groups, each lasting one hour, to practice silent prayer with others. Every Thursday at 8 a.m., our Centering Prayer group meets on Zoom.

We start with gentle stretching and breathing techniques to help you relax. Next, we spend thirty minutes in silence, focusing our hearts on the divine presence within us. Finally, we discuss what may have come up during our sit. This powerful practice will elevate your relationship with God, with others, and with yourself.

In the beginning, many find it difficult to cultivate interior stillness. The "monkey mind" constantly jumps from anxious thought to anxious thought.

This is normal. But remaining calm does get easier with time. You learn to ignore the distracting thoughts and simply return your focus to the Lord.

One helpful tool is to focus on your breath, breathing in and out deeply through your nose. A second tool is to focus on a verse of scripture or even one or two words, such as “love” or “let go”. Pair the scripture with your breath, such as thinking “let” on the inhale, and “go” on the exhale.

Another favorite scripture to use is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”, in a meditative pattern like this:

Inhale: Be still and know
Exhale: That I am God

Inhale: Be still and know
Exhale: that I am

Inhale: Be still
Exhale: And know

Inhale: Be
Exhale: Still

Inhale: Be
Exhale: floating with the resonance of the word “be”

Testimonials

What participants are saying about Centering Prayer:
  • A.G.K.
    Centering Prayer has transformed my life in ways that I never dreamed possible. It offers that “peace that surpasses understanding” and a palpable, visceral experience with the Lord that you don’t forget. It is the perfect gift and it never stops giving. Praise God!
    A.G.K.
  • J.W.
    The practice of Centering Prayer is so enriching! What a beautiful way to draw close to the Lord. It strengthens my faith and soothes my soul. I find I can draw upon this connection throughout my day. This practice is a blessing in so many ways!
    J.W.
  • R.P.
    This is the most transformative prayer practice that I have ever experienced. Instead of anxiously asking God for his help, I have learned to release all things into his loving hands and focus my thoughts on abiding in the presence of Christ.
    R.P.
  • M.M.W.
    Centering Prayer has been transformational in my life over the last two years. It has helped me to quiet the “monkey” mind and build a stronger relationship with God. It is a wonderful addition to other forms of worship such as Bible studies, prayer groups, and church services.
    M.M.W.
  • W.J.W.
    During Centering Prayer, I give my mind a break from all my worries and concerns. During that quiet time with the Lord, I am more at peace and relaxed. It is like unloading a heavy pack that I have been carrying, filled with the weight of my thoughts, worries, and concerns. It has made me more aware of all the thoughts I need to let go, more aware of the worries and concerns I need to turn over to the Lord.
    W.J.W.
  • A.B.D.
    Centering Prayer has enabled me to have a much richer and deeper understanding of being one with the Holy Spirit. I often “float” through the day after our prayer sessions. And throughout the week I try to live through example of what I learned in our Centering Prayer, and it has made such a difference in all of my relationships. I’ve also learned firsthand that through suffering we become closer to God. It is that complete confidence in Him that He is in control, not I, that gives me strength and belief in the future. I wouldn’t give up this time for anything!
    A.B.D.

Our second group, Golden Light, is a guided meditation for healing, healing throughout the total self.

Prayerful space is given to receive Christ’s gift of healing throughout your physical body, throughout your heart and mind, and throughout the depths of your soul. Healing will be felt on every level, especially where it is most needed. Participants meet in the prayer room at St. Philip’s Church, downtown Charleston, on Mondays at 10 a.m. Time for sharing follows the healing prayer.

Golden Light is a hybrid group, with some also participating via Zoom.

Join our Centering Prayer session filmed at Mepkin Abbey:

Note: holy silence is the foundation for both groups, although Golden Light participants are following a guide.

Centering Prayer is practiced without spoken words, although many play meditative music on the Insight Timer app to help them relax and to keep track of the time. If you would like more information, please send us an email!

Contact Details

Centering Prayer Charleston

You can also leave a comment or post on our Centering Prayer Charleston Facebook Page. Click here to check it out!