The Basics

To begin prayer requires some thoughtful preparation. As an individual becomes more accustomed to the habit of prayer, these items of preparation may become less necessary.



Physical Location

  1. Choose a quiet spot - inside or outside, as long as it is as free from distractions and interruptions as possible.
  2. Time - If possible, choose a time of day that can be repeated with regularity; as this becomes habitual, one’s body and mind begin to quiet naturally.
    • Early in the morning before others are awake.
    • During business hours: dedicate a portion of lunch time or other breaks for prayer.
  3. Eliminate electronics unless being used for prayer time.
    • (see Centering Prayer app in Google store)
  4. Props – there are many things that can help encourage an atmosphere conducive to prayer.
    • a candle
    • a religious picture or icon
    • cross or crucifix
    • home altar
  5. Body Position
    • Sit comfortably with arms and legs as relaxed as possible.
    • A chair, prayer cushion, or bench are possible options.
    • Be comfortable and supported but not to excess to avoid falling asleep.


TEST

Quieting the Mind

Now that the body is relaxed, the mind too must be relaxed to focus on prayer.

  1. For some, listening to a quiet piece of music or nature sounds helps to still the body and mind. Then it is best to have silence as one enters the prayer time.
  2. Perhaps take a couple of deep breaths: full inhale, long slow exhale.
  3. A favorite spiritual book or the bible may be opened to draw the heart and mind towards God. If one is drawn to a sentence or passage then one begins to meditate or consider the thoughts and feelings evoked from the passage.


TEST

Distractions

“As long as the human body is alive and the brain is functioning distractions will come. I have learned to not worry about them once I perceive their presence. I simply repeat my Act of Contrition and return to listening. Frequently my period of listening simply feels like quiet and peaceful solitude . . . this is welcome and refreshing and bothers me not at all.” - OCDS member

  1. Our minds and bodies tend to continue their normal times and modes of functioning despite our desire to have them quiet. Humbly accepting our human condition and doing our best to return our focus on God is the best remedy, even when there are times when our entire prayer time seems spent refocusing.
  2. Refrain from attaching thoughts to distractions or striving to eliminate them. It seems best to pay as little attention to them as possible. Our part is to be faithful to our prayer time.