Centering Prayer…As an 11th Step Practice
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God…
About Centering Prayer and the 12 Steps
Centering Prayer is a simple method of prayer rooted in ancient Christian practice that opens us to God’s presence and divine healing. For those who practice the 12 Steps found in any 12-Step program, there are striking parallels between the process that Centering Prayer encourages and the process initiated in the practice of the 12 Steps – the process of human transformation.
The way we seek God is through surrender of self. The action part of the 12 Steps is an exterior surrender. The 11th Step provides for an interior surrender through prayer and meditation. Since Centering Prayer specifically responds to the “prayer and meditation” language of the 11th Step, it can also deepen our experience of the 12 Step practice.
We believe that Centering Prayer as a practice goes even farther and, when practiced daily with the 12 Steps, provides a contemplative dimension to the Steps and to life, where the promises are realized.
Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer, rather it casts new light and depth of meaning on all types of prayer.
Resources: 11th Step Meditation 12 Step Meeting
Many of our members attend an 11th Step Meditation Meeting held on Monday evenings at the Conerstone Center (see address on main page) at 7 PM. This is an open 12 Step meeting with 20 minutes of silence followed by a discussion. We adhere to the AA Traditions in having no opinion on religious practices…everyone is free to do any type of meditation they wish, although, this is an opportunity for those practicing Centering Prayer to do so with the support and enrichment of a group.
12 Step Centering Prayer Group
If you would like to learn the practice, or if you'd like to join others in recovery in the prayer, you are welcome to join us. Both meetings start with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a video, tape or text reading with discussion.
Paradise Valley
Tuesdays (1st and 3rd), 7:00 – 8:30 pm
St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church
6715 North Mockingbird, Scottsdale AZ
Contact information:
Tina Murray - 602-793-8021 - Tinarm@msn.com
Dave Murray - 602-999-2736 - dmurray1_98@yahoo.com