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Quakers are advised to begin worship by "centering down." This is the first step in a Friend's intention to wait in "holy expectancy," to be drawn by the Light into communion with God. Centering prayer is also a practice used by Christian mystics to prepare for contemplation, and "centering" describes the meditation of a Buddhist in pursuit of that deep awareness called "mindfulness." Valerie Brown is an explorer and teacher of centering practices, a Buddhist, and an active Friend. Drawing upon her own experiences and wide studies, she describes for Friends how these various traditions can offer us a better understanding and preparedness for our precious, elusive, mysterious, and simple practice of centering into worship. Discussion questions included. -- Back cover.… (more)
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There IS no way of teaching how to worship. Having said that, Brown is helpful in pointing out that we
Brown discussed the notion of "statio": taking a moment to stand and wait prior to attempting to center into worship.
Brown also explains centering prayer and contemplative prayer, which sound very like classic Quaker silent worship. She includes many enlightening quotes from Quakers, Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims.
This pamphlet may require some careful reading and rereading to sort out the various strands, but it is informative and interesting. It will be helpful and encouraging to anyone seeking to deepen their experience of Quaker meeting or prayer.