I co-wrote these guides with my friend, Lana, who guides contemplative prayer gatherings at the Fayetteville Prayer Room.
How to Spend an Hour in the Prayer Room
We need, finally, to discover absolute solitude and centering in God… to be free of the baggage and distraction of a clamoring self. We need to lose that particular, limiting self-consciousness in simple and ordinary contemplation.
–Out of Solitude by Henri Nouwen
Silence and stillness are hard to come by these days. Many of us long for inner peace and rest, but it evades us.
Through stillness and centering prayer, you can quiet your heart and mind with the Lord. This kind of contemplation creates space to commune with God and receive His promised gifts of freedom, wholeness, faith, strength, rest and abundance. In the stillness, you’ll discover that God longs to commune with you too.
As you wait on the Lord, He will reveal more facets of His character to you- His glory, His kindness, His beauty and His love. As you rest with Him, He will reveal more of your identity in Him as well- your belovedness, your calling, your weakness and your deep need for Him.
Centering prayer can feel awkward or challenging at first, but like a muscle, it grows stronger with practice.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Ps 37:7
I have calmed and quieted my soul. Ps 131:2
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Guide
Set aside a block of time, whether ten minutes or thirty. Put away your phone and sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in slowly for four seconds; hold the breath for four seconds; then breathe out for eight seconds. Do this a few times. You may say a verse or phrase in your mind as you breathe. For example, say “Christ in me” as you breathe in and “the hope of glory” as you breathe out.
Invite God to be with you and let your awareness of His presence grow. You might picture the Holy Spirit like a cloud around you, Jesus sitting beside you, or the Father holding you. Simply rest there.
When distractions arise—and they will—don’t be discouraged. Imagine handing each thought to Jesus for safe-keeping. Ask God to help you remain present, focusing on Him.
After a few minutes, notice how your body feels. What emotions are surfacing? Share them with the Lord. Let Him comfort you, encourage you, and simply be with you. If allowing yourself to feel your emotions is difficult for you, consider using our Prayer for Inner Healing guide.
Continue resting with the Lord. He delights in your attention and presence.
Stillness will become more natural with practice. Over time, it may become one of your most treasured habits.