Why Centering Prayer?

"For this reason, whenever you feel

yourself drawn to devote yourself

to this work, and whenever you feel by

grace that you have been called

to do it, lift up your heart toward God

with a meek stirring of love.

And understand by God the God

who made you and formed you

and who has graciously called you

to your present degree; and do

not accept in your mind any other

conception of God. And not even

all of this is necessary, but only

if you are so inclined, for a naked

intent direct to God is sufficient

without anything else."

-The Cloud of Unknowing

14th century contemplative text

Attachment

"Time after time
I came to your gate with raised hands,
Asking for more and yet more.

You gave and gave, now in slow measure, now
In sudden excess.
I took some, and some things I let drop; some
Lay heavy on my hands;
Some I made into playthings and broke them
When tired;
Till the wrecks and hoards of your gifts grew
Immense, hiding you, and the ceaseless
Expectations wore my heart out.

Take, oh take - has now become my cry.
Shatter all from this beggar's bowl:
Put out the lamp of the importunate
Watcher.
Hold my hands, raise me from the
Still-gathering heap of your gifts
Into the bare infinity of your uncrowded
Presence."

-Rabindranath Tagore