Episode 201 Centering Prayer: What I've Learned So Far

September 21 2025 marks the 4th year anniversary of the release of Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021). In this episode, I unpack key lessons that I’ve gained through my practice of centering prayer including some unexpected blessings.

If you haven’t read Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life, you can buy it here: https://amzn.to/42u4PYo .

Contact Brian: [e-mail] or www.brianrussellphd.com

Brian’s Favorite Centering Prayer Resources:

Murchadh O’Madagáin, Centering Prayer and the Healing of the Unconscious https://amzn.to/46odtsE

Carl Arico, A Taste of Silence: Centering Prayer and the Contemplative Journey https://amzn.to/3VY1flC

Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation https://amzn.to/4ptQ7L1

Rich Lewis, Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self through Centering Prayer https://amzn.to/4niMZjK

Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening https://amzn.to/4nzs2Av

Other books that Brian mentioned:

Cloud of Unknowing https://amzn.to/47PjfGg

Pseudo-Dionysius, The Complete Works. https://amzn.to/3Itp69M

Bessel van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, Body in the Healing of Trauma https://amzn.to/3W1Acpu

Chuck DeGroat, Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering https://amzn.to/4mnZ7P8

Brian’s Other Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ

(Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9

Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/

Work with Brian:

Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training.

Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness.

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