Q:  I wonder, can one experience the dark nights, if one is not practicing centering or contemplative prayer, but is just a devoted Christian? I somehow get the impression that the dark nights are necessary consequences of contemplative prayer only. Personally I feel I have changed a lot – and not for the better. Sometimes … Read more

Q:  My small groups was watching the Heartfulness DVD series with Thomas Keating and Betty Sue Flowers, in particular, the section on sin. At the end, we were discussing the idea that neither God nor Jesus judge (both say they don’t judge, according to Father Keating). We were wondering if Father Keating was referencing particular … Read more

Q. I am quite new to practicing Centering Prayer and entering into the contemplative life, and I am craving it more and more. I am an avid reader and have been enjoying Father Keating’s books and meditations. I come from a non-denominational background, so everything is new to me. Could you please explain what “my … Read more

While seeking to clear my seeing,so I could really know love,be love, walk in the world in service to love,I forgot my activities, my routine, my habits,my drama, my occupation, my titles, my roles, my name,my anything. I was left as justa flickering flamein the crackling blazeof the cosmos.My heart softly singinginto this crucible of … Read more

Q:  I have been practicing CP for over two years and have noticeably experienced positive change and what I consider a deepening of faith and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. My first son was born almost three years ago with cataracts and two other congenital problems.  During the very difficult times when … Read more

Q:  I once asked my prayer group if it was permissible to have a melody running through one’s head while centering, and their answer was no. Often I have a melody through my head, and it’s usually a melody of a hymn.  I mean, it’s not always the same hymn; I know many hymns, so … Read more

‚ÄúBe still and know that I am God‚Äù (Psalms 46:10).  It was a verse I had long been familiar with, but what in the world did it mean?  I had no idea how to be still!  My mind was always in one of two places ‚Äì regretting the past, or worrying and fretting about the … Read more

As I sit on my sofafacing southI hear the crickets,little pinpricks of soundin the night.I open wideto the stars and beyond,to that which we call God. I open to the sound ofthe crickets,the darkness,the stillness;float in it,be it. When the thoughtstumble through,I return to the crickets.   Ceci LaDucaTampa, FL

Q:  As a practising contemplative/meditator for many years and a more recent follower of Father Thomas Keating’s spiritual advice and direction, I do have one “very spiritually perplexing question” that our group is unable to answer.  Hopefully you can free me and perhaps others from a deep fear of God related to this question.  The … Read more