Silence as Strength: Rich Lewis on Centering Prayer and Finding Your True Self (Ep. 261)

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 [email protected].

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

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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, listening, new ministry

(00:36:18) Writing Sitting with God: origin and process

(00:42:01) Misconceptions: more than meditation, sitting with God

(00:43:19) God praying in me and noticing fruits

(00:47:38) Discerning nudges and moving forward

(00:48:56) Sticking through dry spells and perseverance

(00:51:00) Journaling as a companion practice

(00:54:09) Discipline, fears, and why silence is hard

(00:55:27) First steps for the overwhelmed listener

(00:56:06) Mentors and inspirations: Cynthia Bourgeault

(00:57:18) Where to find Rich: Silence Teaches and book

(00:57:58) Hosts closing reflection on quiet discipline

(01:01:46) Show wrap-up and sign-off

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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