We are kept from the experience of Spirit because our inner world is cluttered with past traumas . . . As we begin to clear away this clutter, the energy of divine light and love begins to flow through our being.
Thomas KeatingRead
In centering prayer, the sacred word is not the object of the attention but rather the expression of the intention of the will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of intention in prayer rather than focusing solely on the words used.
Thomas Keating's quote highlights that in the practice of centering prayer, the sacred word serves not as the focal point but as a representation of one's deeper intention and will. The essence of prayer lies in the sincerity and conscious desire to connect with the divine, rather than merely repeating a prescribed word or phrase without understanding or purpose.
Themes
PrayerIntentionSacredSpiritualityWill
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation retreat, I shared this quote to emphasize the significance of intention in spiritual practices.
More from Thomas Keating
All quotes βThe acceptance of all that God has given us and the willingness to let it go - to give it back to him at a moment's notice - that's true human freedom.
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We rarely think of the air we breathe, yet it is in us and around us all the time. In similar fashion, the presence of God penetrates us, is all around us, is always embracing us.
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Only when we can accept God as he is can we give up the desire for spiritual experiences that we can feel.
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For human beings, the most daunting challenge is to become fully human. For to become fully human is to become fully divine.
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To become who we are as creatures made in the image and likeness of God, we have to be nothing and everything at once, since this is what God is. ... If we accept who we are, we are manifesting God and radiating Christ. The latter unfolding of the divine life within us does not need to go anywhere _x000D_ or do anything special.
Thomas KeatingRead
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