A very long time ago...I was on a vocational retreat. A Norbintine priest taught me a centering prayer. This prayer is powerful but it also prepares you for balancing your spirituality with life. Throughout the years I have read some people think its dangerous... but if done properly it can be very powerful. I put it on this forum because most of us have a very healthy prayer life. I consider all of you saints. So, as saints, sometimes we need armor for our battles. This exercise might help your spirituality grow. The Jesus Prayer...Step One You sit in a chair or pew with straight back and both feet flat on ground. You place your hand on your lap flat and you breath. Close your eyes. Try to just breath and relax. Once you are relaxed then focus on the top of your head...relax it and like a water table allow it to go down. Clear your mind of everything. Relax your forehead, your brain, your eye brows, your cheeks, your facial expressions. Like a water table let it flow down and as it goes down relax your shoulders, chest, stomach, hips, thighs, calf and feet. This relaxes your whole body until the water table leaves your toes. At this point you are breathing calmly and peacefully. This in itself is a exercise...as you practice it will get easier and then you start repeating Jesus. Breath in Je and breath out sus. Your repeat Jesus over and over. Slowly, calmly and reverently. Your every breath will be repeating Jesus. Once you can do 15 to 30 minutes. Your body starts to do this naturally throughout the day. But most importantly...it prepares you mentally for your other spiritual exercises as well your day to day experiences. If you are able to center yourself before Mass or prayer exercises you will feel how much more connected you are to your labors. May Gods Will be Done
