Participant Guide, FAQs & App - Centering Prayer Group

A simple centering prayer guide to our weekly group practice at Hope Ridge, with common questions and a link to the Centering Prayer App.

Welcome

Welcome to this sacred space of silence and reflection. Each week, we pause together to rest in God’s presence. Our gatherings include silent prayer, gentle movement, and space for inner listening. You are invited to participate in whatever way feels comfortable, come as you are. We will gather each Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the library at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church (9870 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Mentor, OH 44060).

What to Expect: Centering Prayer Guide

1. Settle In

   We begin with a few quiet moments to help shift from the noise of the day into stillness. Some weeks may include soft background music, light breathwork, or a brief visualization or welcome prayer led by the facilitator. Find a comfortable seat, close or soften your eyes, and allow your breathing to slow. You’ll be invited to choose a simple word or symbol that represents your openness to God, something you can silently return to whenever your thoughts wander.
   

2. Shared Silence (about 20 minutes + 2-minute return)

   We rest together in quiet awareness, consenting to God’s presence within and around us. If distractions come, simply return to your chosen word or symbol. A soft chime will signal the close of the silence. We remain together in stillness for another two minutes, then pray The Our Father or a grounding prayer aloud.
   

3. Reflection & Gentle Sharing

   After the silence, we hold space for reflection. Each gathering includes a short reading or poem, journaling, or conversation guided by simple community touchstones like deep listening and non-judgment. Sharing is always optional; you may listen, write, or reflect quietly. NO fixing.
   

4. Closing

   We finish with a short closing prayer or blessing before departing in silence.
   

Common Questions

Is Centering Prayer really prayer or meditation? It can feel like both. What makes it prayer is the intention. We rest in God’s presence, not simply in silence for its own sake. The goal isn’t emptiness but openness.

What if I can’t quiet my mind? That’s completely normal. Every time you notice your thoughts and gently return to your word, you’re participating fully in the practice. There’s no perfect silence, only the intention to return.

How often should I practice at home? Even a few minutes of stillness each day can help. Some people aim for twenty minutes once or twice daily, but consistency matters more than length.

Do I need to speak or share? No. Sharing is always voluntary. Listening quietly is equally valued. You are also welcome to say pass at anytime.

Can anyone join? Yes this is open to EVERYONE and ANYONE who seeks time for silence, prayer, or reflection is welcome. Bring a friend, they are welcome too!

Using the Centering Prayer App

The Centering Prayer App (by Contemplative Outreach) is a helpful companion for personal or group practice.

• Gentle timer and chimes: transitions are soft and unobtrusive.

• Built-in prayers and readings: include opening and closing prompts similar to what we use together.

• Custom settings: adjust duration, sounds, and reminders.

• Portable practice: ideal for daily use at home or while traveling.

You can download it for free on the App Store or Google Play by using the links or searching Centering Prayer App.

Resources

These are two great resources as you begin Centering Prayer at Hope Ridge UMC.

• Centering Prayer Brochure >>

  What it is and how it differs from traditional prayer, via Contemplative Outreach, LTD.

• Guidelines & Touchstones >>

  Each week our reflection and sharing time is held in the light of the Center of Courage & Renewal Touchstones.
  

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About This Series

This post is part of the Centering Prayer Reflections series, a collection of resources, weekly reflections, and gentle teachings from our church community in Mentor, Ohio. Each entry offers encouragement for those seeking stillness, connection, and spiritual renewal through contemplative prayer.

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Attribution & Copyright Note

This guide is an original adaptation created for our local Centering Prayer group at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church. It draws inspiration from the broader contemplative Christian tradition and acknowledges the work of the following organizations where full original documents and official resources are linked below:

• Contemplative Outreach Ltd., for the Method of Centering Prayer, The Prayer of Consent brochure related to the modern practice of Centering Prayer.

• The Center for Courage & Renewal, whose Courage & Renewal Touchstones inform the spirit of our group reflections.

Resources included are for educational purposes only to support discussion and understanding of contemplative practice, and remains the property of their respective copyright holders and are shared under fair use (U.S. Copyright Act, Section 107) for nonprofit, educational use.

If you are a copyright holder and would like a resource, image, or excerpt removed, please contact us and we will make adjustments promptly.