--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In centering prayer, the sacred word is…" description: "\"In centering prayer, the sacred word is not the object of the attention but rather the expression of the intention of the will.\" — Thomas Keating" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffd/thomas-keating-10246_attention_in-centering-prayer-the-sacred-word-is-n_2654035.jpg" --- # In centering prayer, the sacred word is not the object of… ![“In centering prayer, the sacred word is not the object of the attention but rather the expression of the intention of the will.” quote by Thomas Keating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffd/thomas-keating-10246_attention_in-centering-prayer-the-sacred-word-is-n_2654035.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffd/thomas-keating-10246_attention_in-centering-prayer-the-sacred-word-is-n_2654035.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffd/thomas-keating-10246_attention_in-centering-prayer-the-sacred-word-is-n_2654035.jpg) > “In centering prayer, the sacred word is not the object of the attention but rather the expression of the intention of the will.” [Thomas Keating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-keating/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. In centering prayer, the sacred word expresses the will’s intention, not the object of focus. **In simple terms:** The word shows intention, not focus. Key Takeaway Focus on intention, not object. Themes spirituality mindfulness intentionality Mood contemplative serene Type spiritual instructional When to use this quote - meditation - spiritual guidance - personal growth Key Concepts prayer practice inner focus Questions to Reflect On - How does intention shape prayer? - What is the role of the sacred word? A Different Perspective May be misunderstood as empty chanting. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Centering prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/centering-prayer/) [Expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression/) [Intention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intention/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Prayer Sacred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer-sacred-2372784/) [Sacred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacred/) [Sacred Word](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacred-word-1302185/) [Will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/will/) [Word](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/word/) ## Related quotes > [“RESIST no thought; RETAIN no thought; REACT to no thought; RETURN to the sacred word.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cynthia-bourgeault/resist-no-thought-retain-no-thought-react-to-no-thought-return-to-the/) [Cynthia Bourgeault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cynthia-bourgeault/) > [While doing centering prayer, the practice is to let go of any thought or perception. The priority is to be as silent as possible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-keating/while-doing-centering-prayer-the-practice-is-to-let-go-of-any-thought/) [Thomas Keating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-keating/) > [One of the values of centering prayer is that you are not thinking about God during the time of centering prayer so you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-keating/one-of-the-values-of-centering-prayer-is-that-you-are-not-thinking/) [Thomas Keating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-keating/) > [Centering prayer is a training in letting go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-keating/centering-prayer-is-a-training-in-letting-go/) [Thomas Keating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-keating/) > [Prayer is a sacred and appointed means to obtain all the blessings that we want, whether they relate to this life or the life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-watts/prayer-is-a-sacred-and-appointed-means-to-obtain-all-the-blessings/) [Isaac Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-watts/) > [Prayer is the most sacred occupation a person could engage in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/prayer-is-the-most-sacred-occupation-a-person-could-engage-in/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [“Prayer is a sacred path.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/prayer-is-a-sacred-path/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [The Bible is God's sacred Word of truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-franklin-rutherford/the-bible-is-god-s-sacred-word-of-truth/) [Joseph Franklin Rutherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-franklin-rutherford/) > [I've practiced centering prayer. 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