Practice Resources
Contemplative Outreach Ltd.
A wealth of resources have been developed to support Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and Welcoming Prayer. Some resources, particularly audio and video materials, are available locally through group libraries, while others are available through Contemplative Outreach Ltd. (our parent organization) resources and store. The book "Open Mind, Open Heart" by Fr. Keating, or attending an introductory course, has been the typical starting point for most beginners. Of course, feel free to drop-in to a local group for preliminary instruction as well.
Public Libraries
The public libraries also have a number of Father Keating's books including downloadable audiobooks.
King County Library: online
Sno-Isle County Library: online
Skagit County Libraries may have "interlibrary loan" services available that allow patrons to borrow, free of charge, certain materials from other libraries. Ask your local reference librarian about "interlibrary loans."
Complimentary Practices
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, literally meaning "divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the "ear of the heart," as if he or she is in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio) and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening one's relationship with the Divine (download PDF). Watch Fr. Keating present Lectio Divina on YouTube.
Welcoming Prayer
The Welcoming Prayer is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in our physical and emotional reactions to events and situations in daily life. The purpose of the Welcoming Prayer is to deepen our relationship with God through consenting in the ordinary activities of our day. The Welcoming Prayer helps to dismantle the emotional programs of the false-self system and to heal the wounds of a lifetime by addressing them where they are stored — in the body. It contributes to the process of transformation in Christ initiated in Centering Prayer (download PDF).
