In Your Light

Centering Prayer, Psalm 36:9, Thomas Keating [Longer Commentary]

The practice of Centering Prayer was popularized by Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk and spiritual director. Keating argued that Centering Prayer is a way of “entering into the cloud of unknowing,” which is a metaphor for the mystery of God. He believed that Centering Prayer could help people to experience God’s presence in a real and personal way.

Centering Prayer is a simple practice, but it can be challenging to learn. It takes time and patience to develop the ability to focus the mind and to return to the breath when the mind wanders. However, for those who are willing to persevere, Centering Prayer can be a transformative experience.

Centering Prayer, Psalm 36:9, Richard Rohr

In the style of Richard Rohr, we might say that Centering Prayer is a way of “entering into the spaciousness of our own being.” It is a way of letting go of our attachments to thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and of opening ourselves to the experience of the divine.

Rohr often speaks of the importance of “centering down” into our own being. He believes that we are all connected to the divine, but that we often become disconnected from our true selves through our attachments to the world. Centering Prayer is a way of reconnecting with our true selves and with the divine.

Rohr also speaks of the importance of “presence.” He believes that we are all called to be present to the world, to each other, and to God. Centering Prayer can help us to develop the capacity for presence, by teaching us how to focus our attention and to be fully present in the moment.

Psalm 36:6-8

6 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

7 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

8 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

The verses in this passage speak of God’s steadfast love, the abundance of God’s house, the fountain of life, and the light of God. These verses suggest that God is present in the depths of our being, and that we can experience this presence through stillness and silence.

The phrase “stillness of God” in Psalm 36:9 is translated from the Hebrew word שׁקט (sheket), which means “quiet,” “stillness,” or “peace.” The phrase “peace that passes all understanding” is translated from the Hebrew word שׁלום (shalom), which also means “peace,” but it has a broader meaning that includes wholeness, completeness, and well-being.

These verses suggest that God is present in the depths of our being as a stillness and peace that is beyond our understanding. This stillness and peace is not something that we can achieve through our own efforts. It is a gift from God that we can experience when we open ourselves to the divine presence.