Spiritual relationship help &
Building self esteem
Chicken Soup for the Soul cocreators Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen with Chris Karcher
ABC's Dr. Timothy Johnson,
Finding God in the Questions, and Chris
.
Lee Strobel, The Case for a Creator, and Chris Karcher
Spiritual relationship help &
Building self esteem
Spiritual relationship help &
Building self esteem
Tranquil Waters
Have you ever snorkeled? My family loves guided snorkeling excursions.
“Touching coral kills it. It grows at a snail’s pace. Collecting souvenirs is prohibited,” the tour guide admonishes. With less vehemence, he warns, “Coral also causes painful cuts when you touch it.”
On the beach, I marvel at the pristine, white sand; swaying palm trees; and crystal-clear water. I delight as pelicans, seagulls, and tropical birds soar against the cloudless, azure sky.
Flippers and snorkel in hand, we climb into a boat. Our hair blows in the wind as the boat jets to our diving spot. At our destination, the motor abruptly halts. The sounds of silence resonate upon the open waters.
We plunge in and float on top of the bathwater-warm seas.
I am astonished every time as a tapestry of color is unveiled among the brilliance of angelfish, parrotfish, eels, and manatees. Thousands of fish swim in all directions in a sea of sapphire, gold, and scarlet. The fish form a backdrop of assorted shapes and sizes: some portly, others scrawny, some with piercing edges, others bowed. Sponges and coral create the underwater architecture.
I am absorbed in life beneath the surface.
Centering prayer is similar. You visit “the deep”—your inner sanctuary—and experience the fullness of a rich, interior life. It is a wonderful way to become centered and move deeper into relationship with God. During centering prayer, you sit in silence, enjoy God’s company, and rest in His love. You move out of the mode of doing and striving into one of being.
When snorkeling, whitecaps on the surface of the water rock the boat. But the water beneath the surface is calm. Fish swim contentedly.
Centering prayer helps you journey inward, past the choppy waters of everyday life, to the tranquility within. You are freed to enjoy God’s presence in calmer waters. It provides the opportunity for spiritual renewal and a peaceful time out from the noise of an external world. You move beyond thoughts, activity, and emotional turmoil into the presence of God.
This is not to imply centering prayer is the only method for experiencing God’s presence, or that it should replace other types of prayer. Many wonderful books have been written about different forms of prayer. Other kinds of prayer, listening to inspirational music, reading Scripture, and walking in nature are wonderful ways to commune with God.
As you move deeper toward union with God, you begin hearing and trusting in divine guidance moment by moment. This opens your heart and helps you more closely align your will with God’s.
As you enter into the fullness of the divine presence, you are emptied of some of the emotional baggage you may be experiencing. Old wounds begin to heal. It is easier to keep problems in perspective. An emotional upset may seem less significant after twenty minutes in centering prayer.
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Copyright © 2003 by Christine N. Karcher. Chris Karcher is the author of Relationships of Grace, Amazing Things I Know About You, and Relationships of Grace Workbook. To order books and tapes, schedule Chris for speaking engagements, or subscribe to Chris’ newsletter, visit www.relationshipsofgrace.com, email order@relationshipsofgrace.com, or call 1-877-GET-GRACE (1-877-438-4722).