Episode Details

Tonight I sat down with author and coach Rich Lewis to explore centering prayer—the simple, countercultural practice of sitting in silence with God. We dug into what centering prayer is, how it differs from other silent prayer methods, and why men especially tend to run from silence even though it can be the key to clarity, discipline, and discovering your true self. Rich shared the practical “how-to” (sacred word, image, breath, or glance), why he practices twice a day, and the surprising ways silence spills over into daily life with more calm, focus, and courage. We also talked journaling as a tool for discernment, working through spiritual “dry spells,” and how small, consistent doses of silence can help peel back limiting beliefs and reveal the person God is calling you to become.

Resources mentioned: Rich’s book “Sitting with God,” the Contemplative Outreach community, Amos Smith’s work, and Cynthia Bourgeault’s writings on centering prayer. Connect with Rich and his resources at SilenceTeaches.com, and send me your questions and guest ideas at JoeRooz.com or info@JoeRooz.com.

Guest: Rich Lewis
https://silenceteaches.com/

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Special thanks to:

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(00:00:57) Opening from Asylum Studios and show intro

(00:01:18) Joe Roose welcomes listeners and show schedule

(00:02:08) Recap of prior guest and teaser for tonight on silence

(00:06:38) Guest intro: Rich Lewis on Centering Prayer

(00:07:39) Icebreakers with Rich: family and Russia trips

(00:11:05) What is Centering Prayer? History and roots

(00:13:29) Comparing silent practices and methods

(00:14:36) Richs life before silence and how he began

(00:17:06) How to practice: the sacred word and returning

(00:21:04) Finding your own method: word, image, breath, glance

(00:24:21) Why practice daily and adding a second sit

(00:30:25) How long should you sit? Building the habit

(00:32:00) Silence vs. scripture reading during the sit

(00:33:08) Peeling back to the true self

(00:34:23) Tangible changes: calm