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I have tried various types of spiritual practices - centering prayer, contemplative prayer with scripture, saying the rosary, etc.  What I have found that works for me is meditation using the writings of Richard Rohr, Henri Nouwen, Ron Rohlheiser and Julian of Norwich.  

After reading the meditation for the day I spend quiet time reflecting on how the meditation speaks to me as to where I currently am on my spiritual journey.  Sometimes I feel called to action.  This might mean reaching out to someone I haven’t seen or spoken to in a while to see how they are doing, sometimes it may be a call to take the initiative to heal a strained relationship,  sometimes it may be to make a change in my life because I have strayed from the path that brings me closer to God.  

Lately I have adopted a new practice using the verse from Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.” This verse is often used as a lectio divina practice by sitting quietly and slowly repeating the verse as follows:

Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be


It is a good way to quiet your heart and mind for centering prayer.  While I am out walking my dog, Milo, instead of reciting the verse, I sing it as described above.  Then I listen to my heart and create various versions of the verse.  An example would be:

Be still and know that I am with you always
Be still and know that I love you
Be still with me
Be with me today

While I do not formally practice centering prayer, I find this practice centers me and makes me mindful that God is with me and that He wants me to be with Him.  He loves me and is calling me to love Him.

I am not advocating that anyone adopt my practices.  I believe you should find a practice that speaks to you of God’s loving presence and calls you to go deeper with God in a loving relationship.

Keith Duplechain

Ministries
Christian Formation