Sacred Breath: 40 Days of Centering Prayer

J. David Muyskens

Sept 2010 · Upper Room Books

About this eBook

Centering Prayer is a powerful but little understood prayer practice. In this sequel to *Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God,** Muyskens clears away the fog in a way that is grounded in scripture and Christian tradition. In his simple, comfortable writing style, he invites readers to experience Centering Prayer by presenting themselves to God in silence twice a day without any agenda. What follows are forty days of practical, encouraging meditations that provide a structure and routine for practicing Centering Prayer. The meditations are grouped into four sections: "Receptivity," "Letting Go," "The Christ Within," and "The Christ Without." Instructions for weekly group meetings of individuals undertaking the forty days of practice are included. Scripture and breathing exercises are among the prayer supports the author presents. Muyskens reflects throughout the book on the untimely death of his daughter-in-law and on his own physical ailments brought on by the stress of trying to do it all himself. He writes honestly of his own experiences of sadness and uncertainty and how he has found comfort—even deep joy—in the practice of Centering Prayer.

About the author

J. David Muyskens, a retired minister of the Reformed Church in America and a seminary teacher of spirituality, holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has been a spiritual director since 1991 and is a graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program of Shalem Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. Muyskens has been practicing Centering Prayer daily since 1993 and has facilitated a Centering Prayer group since 2001.