How Can I Be More Compassionate and Centered? Spiritual Disciplines (Prayer and Meditation)

Someone once said that spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training smarter (more wisely). In other words, we become more compassionate and centered, not by putting in more and more blood, sweat and tears, but by becoming more intentional and strategic in the activities we engage in. These activities that build the spiritual life, that facilitate life transformation in regards to the divine life, are called spiritual disciplines and have been practiced for centuries by people who take godliness seriously. That’s why the most prolific writer in the New Testament, Paul, encouraged one of his young protégés (Timothy) to “train yourself in godliness.” He said, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Paul is using an athletic metaphor to talk about the spiritual life. He knows that athletes, to compete well, don’t simply try harder at their sport. They train – they undergo strategic, thoughtful, coached-based training that lasts months and years before the competitive event.

So what are some of those strategic disciplines that empower our spiritual lives and shape our hearts to be more like the divine heart?

Prayer and Meditation: Setting aside intentional time to stop the hustle and bustle of daily activity and move into a quiet, reflective space is crucial to spiritual depth and centering. Prayer is several things: quietness; meditation in which our thoughts and minds are centered on God; reflection on God; listening to the divine spirit that speaks to our hearts and souls; and speaking to God, sharing the depth of our feelings, thoughts, and experiences with God, expressing ourselves to God.

This kind of deliberate, intentional prayer is a significant centering experience. Prayer helps to block out the loud voices and noises that surround us all day long. It facilitates our silence before God so we can hear God’s voice speak to us, prompting us, tugging at our hearts. It centers us in the very love and compassion of God’s heart. It helps to remind us who we are and to whom we belong.

For prayer to be a meaningful and effective discipline, it needs to be scheduled – a specific time and place should be set aside with as few distractions as possible. And it should be regular.

In addition, sometimes spontaneous moments of silence and focused prayer can be engaged in during any point of the day. This practice can also help to concentrate your heart and mind and soul on God and take you to a more centered place.

And there are also extended times of focused prayer that can be helpful to your spiritual depth and transformation: Retreat settings lasting a day or more during which you focus your heart, mind and spirit on God.

One spiritual giant once said, “Even as the moon influences the tides of the sea, even so does prayer influence the tides of godliness.” (C. H. Spurgeon)