A Winter Centering Prayer Gathering

January 22, 2026 Gathering

A Centering Prayer guidance from Hope Ridge United Methodist Church in Northeast Ohio

Stillness, Silence, and Loving Peace

Winter invites us into a different rhythm: one of quiet, waiting, and trust. This reflection is shared for those who may have missed our recent Centering Prayer gathering, or for anyone longing for a gentle way to rest in stillness during the winter season.

You’re welcome to move through each section slowly, pausing where needed.

Preparing the Space

You may wish to create a quiet space before beginning, perhaps lighting a candle or settling into a comfortable chair. If winter weather is present outside, notice the way snow or stillness softens the world, inviting you to slow down as well.

Winter Centering Prayer Guided Arrival & Visualization

As we begin, I invite you to arrive just as you are.

If you’ve come carrying the day -- the weather, responsibilities, conversations, or the weight of the season -- you don’t need to push any of that away. Simply allow it to rest for now.

Let your body settle into the chair. Feel your feet supported by the floor. Notice the steadiness beneath you.

Begin to bring your attention to your breath. Allow it to move gently down into the belly, rising softly as you breathe in, and falling as you breathe out.

There’s nothing to control or force. Just notice the natural rhythm of breathing.

Now, imagine yourself standing in a wide, open winter field. The ground is covered in snow: smooth, quiet, undisturbed. The sky is pale and calm.

Snow is falling slowly around you.Each breath in like a snowflake drifting down. Each breath out like it settling gently to the ground.

The world feels hushed. Nothing is asking anything of you.

With each breath, allow yourself to sink a little deeper into that stillness: steady, quiet, held. (Pause for several breaths.)

Centering Prayer (Silence)

Enter a time of Centering Prayer.

As thoughts arise, gently return to your sacred word or symbol -- chosen simply as a sign of your intention to rest in God’s presence -- allowing it to be light and effortless, like snowfall.

You may wish to set a gentle timer for 20 minutes.

Returning From Silence

To support returning from silence, repeat Psalm 62:1 slowly three times:

For God alone my soul waits in silence.

Allow the words to settle.

The Poem: In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti

In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, Nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak midwinter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air; But His mother only, In her maiden bliss, Worshipped the Beloved With a kiss.

What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart.

Written by Christina Rossetti in 1872 and later set to music as a hymn in 1906, the poem names winter honestly -- its starkness and its quiet gift.

If you’d like, you may listen to a musical version of the hymn or try re-reading a second time.

Listening: In the Bleak Midwinter

Reflection

If you choose to reflect, you might ask yourself:

• What stayed with me?

• What stirred during the music, the poem, or the silence?

• What feels tender, quiet, or steady right now?

Or, you can simply just let it settle.

Silence is not an empty response, but a full and faithful one.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for meeting us in the silence, in the waiting, and in the season that asks us to slow down.

As we leave this space, help us carry with us the steadiness beneath the storm, the quiet strength that does not rush, and the trust that even now, something sacred is unfolding.

Hold us in your loving peace today and always. Amen.

---

About Our Group

Centering Prayer at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church

This post is shared as part of our Centering Prayer gatherings, a quiet, welcoming space for those drawn to silence, stillness, and contemplative prayer. We gather regularly to rest together in God’s presence, trusting that even in quiet, we are being gently held and shaped. All are welcome, whether you are new to Centering Prayer or returning again and again.

All are welcome. Come as you are, and rest in the quiet presence of God.

For more information, click here or email the group facilitator.