{"id":167,"date":"2010-08-07T13:10:57","date_gmt":"2010-08-07T12:10:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/contemplativeoutreachireland.com\/coi\/?page_id=167"},"modified":"2019-08-16T17:25:48","modified_gmt":"2019-08-16T16:25:48","slug":"getting-started","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/contemplativeoutreachireland.com\/coi\/resources\/getting-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting Started<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get Familiar<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you are familiar with the\u00a0Method of Centering prayer<\/a>, you can really begin praying.\u00a0 Read the Pamphlet on the\u00a0Method of Centering Prayer<\/a>\u00a0and clarify any questions with someone who is familiar with the prayer practice or alternatively submit your enquiry to the team at Contemplative Outreach Ireland who will be happy to respond to you.<\/p>\n

Introductory Workshop<\/strong><\/p>\n

To truly ground yourself in the practice of\u00a0Centering Prayer<\/a>\u00a0it would be helpful to attend an\u00a0Introductory Workshop<\/a>\u00a0with a Contemplative Outreach trained presenter who will guide you in the method of\u00a0Centering Prayer<\/a>\u00a0and encourage you to begin a daily commitment to the practice.\u00a0 It is recommended to study the book \u201cOpen Mind Open Heart<\/a>\u201d by\u00a0Fr. Thomas Keating<\/a> that is designed to initiate the reader into a deep, living relationship with God.<\/p>\n

Those who attend an Introductory Workshop are also encouraged to further deepen their understanding by attending a six-week follow up programme.<\/p>\n

Further Optional Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n

Other books to read when getting started that you may find helpful are:<\/p>\n