Introduction to Centering Prayer Practice

We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words.  But this is only one expression.  In the Christian tradition Contemplative Prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God.  It is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – 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.    

What is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift.  It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer.  Rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on other kinds of prayer.    It is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.  The desire for God is God’s gift to us.   
The source of Centering Prayer, as in all methods leading to Christian Contemplative Prayer, is the indwelling Trinity:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Its focus is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ.  Its fruits build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love. 

The Introductory Program to the Centering Prayer Practice consists of two parts: a six-hour workshop followed by a series of ninety-minute weekly sessions. 

Introduction
During the Introduction the participant receives the essential conceptual framework to begin Centering Prayer as a solitary individual practice.  The schedule consists of four conferences and two opportunities to experience the practice of Centering Prayer in a group setting.  The conferences are: 

Edward Tummillo is commissioned by Contemplative Outreach Ltd. to present the Introduction to the Centering Prayer Practice.  He has been a parishioner of St. Matthew Parish and now Holy Archangels Parish since 1995.  He has presented the Centering Prayer Introduction at St. Matthew Church and Friendship Village. He also served as a voluntary Chaplain and Centering Prayer Coordinator at Statesville Prison from 2009 to 2020 where he continually witnessed the power of Holy Spirit to transform lives. He is personally committed to the daily practice of Centering Prayer which he believes has enriched every aspect of his spiritual life. 

Contemplative Outreach of Chicago operates as a branch of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.  

“Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer.  The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an ever-deepening union with the living Christ and the practical caring for others that flows from that relationship. 

  
“Our purpose is to share the method of Centering Prayer and its immediate conceptual background.  We also encourage the practice of Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular established practice of Centering Prayer facilitates. 

“We identify with the Christian Contemplative Heritage.  While we are formed by our respective denominations, we are united in our common search for God and the experience of the living Christ through Centering Prayer.  We affirm our solidarity with the contemplative dimension of other religions and sacred traditions, with the needs and rights of the whole human family and with all creation.”