The Still Point of Gratitude | Centering Prayer in Northeast Ohio

Week 12: November 4, 2025 | Theme: Knowing with the Whole Self

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

Finding Peace in a Busy Season

As we move into November, life often begins to quicken. Lists grow longer, schedules fill, and it can become harder to slow down.

During this week’s Centering Prayer gathering at Hope Ridge UMC, we paused to explore what it means to give thanks, not only when life feels easy, but also when things feel full, uncertain, end even challenging.

Entering Stillness

We began by imagining ourselves standing in a quiet autumn field at dusk. The air was cool, the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke lingering nearby. With each exhale, we released the weight of the week: tension, plans, worries. With each inhale, we received calm, light, and peace filling the space we had opened.

As our breath slowed, we sensed that beneath all the movement of life, there is a steady current of peace holding us, God’s presence that never hurries and never leaves.

The Practice of Silence

From that quiet image, we moved into twenty minutes of shared silence, a space where we simply rest in God’s presence. This time of Centering Prayer isn’t about doing or achieving; it’s about returning to stillness.

We took this practice even further this week by offering a quiet “thank you” before recalling our sacred word. That small pause of gratitude became a doorway, helping us return not only to our word, but to a posture of openness and trust.

When thoughts arose, we gently came back to the sacred word, allowing gratitude to guide the way. For some, the silence felt like rest; for others, it was a time of slow unwinding. Yet as the minutes passed, we began to notice that the quiet was not empty at all, it was full of presence.

Silence became the space where gratitude took root, reminding us that simply being here, breathing, is enough.

Scripture Reflection: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

After our time of silence, we reflected together on these words:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Tonight we rested especially on that final invitation: give thanks.

Gratitude can be simple, but not always easy.

Do we give thanks naturally?

Do we find it difficult, or just not top of mind in the rush of life?

Why do we think that is?

As we shared, many of us noticed that gratitude often begins not with words but with awareness, even awareness as we reflect on past challenges that have shaped us, but as were we walking through those times were we grateful? Are we meant to be? A shift in seeing that brings us back to the present moment.

A Wesleyan Reflection on Gratitude

In the Wesleyan tradition, founded by John Wesley, gratitude is considered a means of grace, an everyday way of becoming more aware of God’s love. Wesley taught that a thankful heart is not an obligation but a natural response to grace.

When we practice gratitude through stillness and prayer, we are tuning our hearts to the rhythm of God’s ongoing presence in our lives.

Additional Reflection Questions

If you’d like to carry this reflection into your own quiet time, here are some additional questions to consider:

• What moments of grace or small blessings surfaced for me recently?

• Do I give thanks naturally, or is it something I overlook in the rush of life?

• Why do I think that is?

• How might I return to gratitude even during busy or stressful seasons?

Carrying Gratitude Forward

As we move into the holiday season, may we carry gratitude with us thankful for what truly matters: moments of togetherness, the peace that steadies us, and the grace that meets us right where we are.

Practice Centering Prayer in Northeast Ohio and Beyond

If you’d like to experience Centering Prayer in community, or begin your own Christian meditation practice at home, you can start using our Centering Prayer Guide here.

Or join our weekly Centering Prayer group: Library at Hope Ridge UMC, 9870 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Mentor, OH, Tuesdays at 6:30 PM

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

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About Centering Prayer at Hope Ridge

Centering Prayer is a quiet, contemplative practice of resting in God’s presence. Our group meets weekly in the Library at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church, offering a welcoming space for silence, reflection, and shared community. Each gathering includes gentle guidance, 20 minutes of silence, and time for reflection.

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