What Centering Prayer is:
Acknowledgement of an intimate relationship with God
Resting in God
Letting go of our agenda, our thoughts, our false-self
Being present in the now
Coming home

What Centering Prayer is NOT:
Centering prayer is not a dialogue with God.
Centering prayer is not meditation in the sense that is practiced in eastern Wisdom Religions.
Centering prayer is not a relaxation technique.
Centering prayer is not the "new" fad among the faithful.
Centering prayer is not petitioning God, asking God for favors.
Centering prayer is not offering prayers on the behalf of others.
Centering prayer DOES NOT take the place of your other prayer practices.

As a method…
Step 1: Chose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to be in the presence of God.
Step 2: Sitting comfortably with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word.
Step 3: When you become aware of thoughts, ever so gently {"as gently as a breath of air touching a floating feather"}, return to the sacred word.
Step 4: At the end of the prayer period remain in silence for a brief time. If you wish conclude with The Lord's Prayer or a prayer sentence.

4 R's
Resist no thought
Retain no thoughtReact emotionally to no thoughtReturn ever so gently to the sacred word
Twice daily for 20 minutes or a single period of 30 minutes…
The important part of the discipline is not following someone else's guidelines but to find the rhythm which is meaningful to you and your Lord. If you miss a period or a day or more, give yourself permission to start over. When you return, you will find that God is still there … much as the Prodigal Father welcomed his son.

THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 7 - 9:30 pm – CLASS AT COLORADO CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH, 3650 YATES, DENVER.
SCIENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS, AND CONTEMPLATION:  Widespread reports of tangible effects seen with prayer and intention have prompted science to study these aspects of spirituality. We will explore the bridge between the two disciplines, and the attempt for science to "catch up" with the physics of consciousness. Beyond the intellectual discussion, what is the contemplative disposition toward it all? 
Cost: $30   Presenter: Dr. Christine Bender
RSVP by Tuesday, February 21, 2012

CENTERING PRAYER IMMERSION EXPERIENCE at Contemplative Outreach-CO
Saturday, March 3, 2012               3650 Yates, Denver
Registration: 8:30 a.m.          Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Centering Prayer Immersion Experience includes six, thirty-minute periods of centering prayer, separated by meditative walks. This experience is recommended for persons experienced in Centering Prayer. Refreshments will be available before and after the prayer session. You are welcome to participate with as much time as you have available if you cannot stay for the entire session. Walk-ins are welcome. Donation.

NINETEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Colorado Contemplative Outreach
MARCH 10, 2012
The Annual Conference will be held at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the program ends at 3:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to register early as seating is limited to 500 people. Coffee and rolls will be available. The event will feature a cold luncheon plate. Participants can choose between a grilled chicken wrap or a Portobello mushroom wrap. Entrees come with a salad, dessert and drinks. The $80 registration fee includes the lunch and parking.
We now can accept credit cards. You can register online at www.contemplativeoutreach-co.org  or call the office to register if you need help, 303-698-7729. Of course, you can always mail in your Conference Registration Form as usual. 
Conference registration forms are also available from Elaine Miller.

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP TO CENTERING PRAYER
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2012
PLACE: Center for Contemplative Living, 3650 Yates St., Denver, CO 80212
TIME: Registration: 8:30 a.m.; Workshop: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
RSVP: By Thursday, March 22, 2012 3003-698-7729 COST: $25
PRESENTERS: Julie Saad, John Congdon, Bob Albrecht and Christine Bender
“Be still and know that I am God." (Ps 46:10)
This simple wisdom saying is an invitation given to us by God. It is a call to set aside all activity, rest in silence, and come into an intimate relationship with the Beloved. Theresa of Avila says the problem most people have with prayer is praying as if God were absent. Centering Prayer is an invitation to turn our minds and hearts inward and open to the realization that we are not separate from God. This workshop provides instruction on the method of Centering Prayer, and opportunities to practice the prayer.