Is centering prayer biblical?
There exists no biblical evidence for the type of centering prayer practiced and taught by some Christians or others.Centering prayer sometimes is taught as an effort to prepare us for worship or to better hear the Holy Spirit speak to us by focusing on or repeating one spiritual word or thought while dismissing interruptions of that thought.
Some spiritual leaders in the contemplative prayer movement teach and practice centering prayer as an effort to help adherents remove distractions or anxiety and make a way for God.
However, Scripture teaches us to bring our whole selves to God and learn to trust Him with everything that may concern us. For example, Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Philippians 4:4–7 instructs, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Colossians 4:2 says, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
These verses, and others, instruct us to converse with God about those circumstances that confound us, make us anxious, or leave us in wonderment. Prayer is communicating with God. Chants and repetitions are not a conversation, or based in a relationship.
What types of prayer are mentioned in the Bible?
Why pray? What is the purpose of prayer?
Is silent prayer biblical?
Persistent prayer - Is it biblical? Is it acceptable to repeatedly pray for the same thing, or should we ask only once?
How does a person pray in Jesus' name?
Truth about Prayer
