This is the second time I've read Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, and I got much more out of it this reading, perhaps because my own C.P. practice is far more consistent. For those who worry that Centering Prayer is some dangerous fringe practice gleaned from completely non-Christian sources, consider this:

"When I talk about ttransformation' and 'awakening,' incidentally, I should make clear that I am not using New Age terminology. I am speaking of 'You must be born from above' (John 3:7 NRSV) . . . 'For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for me will find it' (Matthew 16:24-25)."
p. 9

or this:


"The intent is not to escape into some private holiness-trip, but to allow the gospel to become more and more alive in us, more and more firmly rooted." p. 18

I could include many quotes, but here's a great one where she's comparing Centering Prayer (a process of constant surrender) with other forms of meditation:

" . . . in Centering Prayer, one aims to attain nothing: not clear mind, steady-state consciousness, or unitive seeing. It is a prayer that simpy exercises the kenotic path: love made full in the act of giving itself away. . . . a willing divestment of all possessions, even up to and including personal consciousness . . . . Slowly, steadily, Centering Prayer patterns into its practitioners what I would call the quintessential Jesus response: the meeting of any and all life situations (including the final one, where a concentrative method is no longer possible) by the complete, free giving of oneself." p. 88

Finally, the sections on the Inner Witness and on Welcoming Practice are really, really good, and make the leap from the value of sitting twice daily to carrying the posture of surrender so central to C.P. into every area of our lives.: I had never really "gotten" Welcoming Prayer/Welcoming Practice before, although I had tried it out. Somehow, this time, the chapter on "Welcoming Prayer" made perfect sense, and I was able to immediately start trying it out. These

Cynthia Bourgeault is a fantastic writer—deep, reflective and comprehensive yet also highly readable. I loved the sections on ego work and the inner observer. They align with enneagram work beautifully without saying it outright. This book left me energized to continue forward on the contemplative path.

I found this book a bit verbose, but at the same time helpful in understanding centering prayer. However, it was a lot to wade through to get to the point.

I will be pulling extensively from this book with regards to centering prayer. She has a fresh and vitally needed feminine perspective not just on prayer but on why its important and how we move through it. She has a really wonderful no nonsense style that is both gentle and patient. I find myself relaxing under her methodical approach to spirituality, the practice of surrender and finding God at the center of my life. If you are interested in the practice of centering prayer and meditation then this is a great book.

Beautiful review of the practices of Centering prayer and the welcome prayer.
Definitely more detailed than most practitioners would need. Would recommend reading the "how to" sections and the very end which summarizes most points in the book first to see if you want to delve into the book from start to finish.

Cynthia Bourgeault opened my eyes about the offerings of Christian tradition for a process similar to meditation. It is one of the most important books i ever read.

A terrific introduction to centering prayer and a very thoughtful way to engage it both critically and receptively.

An interesting descriptor of Centering Prayer and the methodology behind it. I found, however, that it went far beyond the information I felt was required to begin this practice.

Clear and concise teaching on the practice of Centering Prayer

I found this book to be most helpful in explaining the spiritual as well as the psychological transformation available for the practitioner of Centering Prayer. The chapter on Welcoming Prayer was an added bonus!

A very thoughtful analysis and how-to for Centering Prayer (a unique form of Christian meditation). There is some pretty in-depth theological discussion is this book that was beyond what I personally needed. However, the basics of Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer were easy to grasp. Bouregeault makes a good case as to why this type of meditation is different from other forms of spiritual practice. It was well worth the read!

Not an easy book to review

This is true sort of book that reviews you more than you review it. I struggle with some of the ways things are phrased at times. But overall it is profound maybe even earth shattering, ask me in a year or two after I’ve attempted to practice the method.

Academia meets spirituality. The author has an incredible talent for explaining spiritual concepts with examples and metaphors that translate to deep understanding. This style allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Centering Prayer. It also led me to taking a 14 week Wisdom School course taught by Cynthia through the CAC website. Life changing experience.