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Introduction to Centering Prayer

Date
September 20, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Have you been longing for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God?
 
Sourced from the depths of the Christian contemplative tradition,
Centering Prayer has emerged as a life-changing practice for those who embrace it.
 

The method of Centering Prayer, a traditional form of Christian contemplative prayer, gives you a way to say “yes” to God’s presence and action in your life.

Christian monastics and mystics through the ages have described and practiced a contemplative relationship with God that takes place in silence deeper than words.  In the 1970s, three Trappist monks, Fathers William Meninger, Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating, looked to the ancient practices and sources of the Christian contemplative heritage to develop a simple method of silent prayer for contemporary people. The prayer came to be known as Centering Prayer in reference to Thomas Merton’s description of contemplative prayer as prayer that is “centered entirely on the presence of God.”

Come to learn the method or to renew your practice and go deeper. The half-day format offers a relaxed way to hear the basics, practice, and ask questions. Following the workshop, there will be an opportunity to attend a 4-week series of 1-hour evening sessions, which will go deeper into the method and include a 20-minute Centering Prayer sit as well as time for questions and discussion.

Getting Here

Location icon St. Placid Priory

Directions

Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Accommodation

We have ten retreat bedrooms, most of which are equipped with two twin beds. The rooms may be shared if you are coming with a friend or partner, but generally there is just one person per room. Our building is set back among the trees so the rooms stay fairly cool. There is heat in each room for the colder nights. Each room has a sink, mirror, chair, desk, and small closet area. Towels and linens are provided, but please bring your own toiletries. Bathrooms are shared and showers are available. Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for Mass, Praise, and meals. There is wi-fi available in the Priory Library from 8:30am-8:00pm everyday. The Priory Store is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of walking trails wind around the Priory's property and are open to retreatants. Spiritual Direction is available upon request at an additional charge.

Includes Program,
Includes program & lunch

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.

We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir

Meals

Menu Types

On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Beautiful & Serene Experience
This is the perfect place to escape to for a few days when you need rest and quiet time. There are no distractions and the rooms are very comfortable, clean, simple and quiet. I love the opportunity to have meals with the Sisters - as well as to worship with them daily. I am grateful they make rooms available for this type of individual time away - as I was not a part of an organized retreat.

5.0
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Contemplative Rest
I've already recommended this class and the instructor to other clergy in Thurston County, as well as members of my own ministry. The instructor led with a sense of calm and respect for all participating, leaving me with a desire to seek more opportunities to be with them. M was well organized, yet they were so present to the participants that they pivoted with a flexibility that was admirable. I deeply enjoyed my time and have already incorportated this process into my own spiritual practice.

5.0
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Contemplative Rest: Nurture resiliency and peace in ourselves and the world
M Freeman took me to a place unexpected. Illuminious. Somewhat magical. Definitely healing. If you're seeking a new way of finding yourself, this is a good one. Thank you M for all the nicknames and memories that are bringing me more joy and liberation.

5.0
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Zentangel at the priory with Sister Monica
I always enjoy this class at the Spirituality Center The exercize helps with my focas and concentration and coming to the Spirituality Center lets me experience the spiritual calmness as well.

5.0
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God the Artist was fabulous!
We spent the day in Shelton at an artists private studio. We were able to create three beautiful pieces. I used ferns and Japanese maple leaves in my pottery. We could choose what to make and were given individual guidance and suggestions. Lunch was under a tree in his garden. It was a perfect day. Creativity is a spiritual practice.

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