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Centering Prayer and the Journey to Your True Self with Rich Lewis

February 17, 2026

Written By

Beth

What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him?

In this *Lessons From Living* episode, Rich Lewis, author of *Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer*, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey. Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence. This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness. If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed.

Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich Lewis

Contemplative Outreach

Silence Teaches

 

Episode Outline

  • 0:07 – The Importance of Commitment
    “You almost have to commit to doing the practice, even if you don’t want to show up.”
  • 2:00 – Rich’s Journey to Centering Prayer
    Rich explains how he discovered centering prayer and what drew him to the practice.
  • 9:43 – How Centering Prayer is Practiced
    The simple process of centering prayer, including the use of sacred words and returning to the present moment.
  • 19:33 – The Role of Silence in Healing
    The power of silence in centering prayer and its impact on healing fear, anxiety, and other emotions.
  • 27:07 – Persistence in Prayer
    Encouragement to keep going in prayer, even when it feels like nothing is changing.

 

Best Quotes from the Podcast

“You almost have to commit to doing the practice, even if you don’t want to show up. Trust that it’s going to heal you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

“Centering prayer helps us connect to our true self, to the person God wants us to be, by letting go of fear, anxiety, and all the things we are not.”

“God is always with us. It’s just us who forget that. And death is simply another experience with God.”

 

Click play to listen to the full episode

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Beth Graham

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