I greet The Indwelling Presence.
Today’s “Pay Forward” gift is - The Alter Is A Place Within To Go – for prayer, meditate and contemplation. A place to give up the lower for the higher, the personal for the impersonal, the animal for the divine; to be still. Centering Prayer is different from what you may think of as prayer; in fact I call it meditation. It is simply moving deep within yourself, in silence, saying nothing, asking for nothing, just being and allowing your Higher Power to be with you.
The Guidelines: 1. Choose a word – (examples; Love, Let Go, Peace, Silence, Faith etc.). 2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce your chosen word as the symbol of your consent to God’s Presence and Action within. 3. When engaged with your thoughts (include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections – use the Four Rs: Resist no thought – Retain no thought – React emotionally to no thought – Return ever-so-gently to your chosen word). 4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
We can learn to pray anytime, but we should not meditate when dwelling in “powerful” illusions; like resentments, remorse or sexual fantasies. “Therefore if you bring your gift to the alter, and there remember that your brother has ought against you; leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to you brother and then come and offer your gift” Matthew 5:23-24. Thy Love, Thy Will be done.