For many years I have been trying, and mostly in vain, to practice Centering Prayer. I even attended, years ago. a seminar led by the late Fr. Basil Pennington. Now recently I read an article in Catholic Answers, (https://www.catholic.com/magazine/onlin ... r-catholic) that the Catholic Church does not approve of this. See also the Catechism 2709 etc.
I have decided, for the time being, to stay with Thomas Merton and 'The Cloud of Unknowing"
Can anyone enlighten me further.

Far from it

Muirfield, the fact that you have not been successful in your efforts at “centering prayer” is just proof that your Guardian Angel is looking out for you. It is a dangerous lie and a steep drop into New Age mysticism.

How does 'Centering Prayer" differ from 'lectio divina' or simply 'contemplation'. ?

This is my understanding:

In "Centering Prayer" one thinks of nothing and keeps out other thoughts. I remember a priest who gave a retreat at a monastery saying that we should never go anywhere in prayer "alone".

In Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) one chooses about three or four verses of scripture to read and ponder
four times in different ways.

This is done in four stages, and is a great aid in applying the scripture to one's life and with the help of the Holy Spirit to grow in the virtues.

There are many descriptions of Lectio Divina that can be found online.


The stages of contemplation are more complicated to explain; it is better when a spiritual director or retreat master expounds on that.