What a privilege to teach the Prime Time Seekers Sunday School Class and also in the Classic Seniors Program Ministry at King’s Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri, for several years. I met wonderful people like Bill and Kathryn Redman, Bill and Roanne Brell, Connie Kennemer, Jeanette Kennemer, Connie Sullivan, Dan and Mary Kuhn, David and Mary Lorraine Fromme, Donna Baker, Fred and Karen Royer, Jim and Donna Kennard, Tom and Joyce Clark, Gordon and Nancy Zagsma, Roger and Pat McFadden, Pearl Hershberger, Rick Westphal, Evelyn Simpson, Frank and Audie Cupp, John and Gayle Lewis, Mary Lee Marsh, Woody and Phyllis Parkhurst.
I recently wrote about renewing our minds as followers of Jesus. I call myself a follower of Jesus instead of a Christian, for the name Christian has become synonymous with ideologies that are not what Jesus taught. My friend, Judge David Fromme, a member of the Prime Time Seekers, contacted me about centering prayer as a way to renew our minds. Thank you, Judge Fromme, for reminding me how important this is. Here are my thoughts.
Romans 12:1–2 and the Practice of Centering Prayer
A Living Sacrifice and a Renewed Mind
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
— Romans 12:1–2
Paul invites us into a life of ongoing transformation. The Christian life is not simply about believing the right things; it is about becoming a new creation in Christ through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
Renewing the mind is not a one-time event. It is daily formation—allowing God’s truth, presence, and Spirit to reshape our thoughts, values, imagination, desires, and habits.
The world disciples us through noise, hurry, and distraction. Jesus disciples us through Scripture, worship, community, stillness, and surrender.
What Does It Mean to Renew the Mind?
To renew the mind means:
- Letting Scripture shape the way we see reality
- Replacing lies with God’s truth
- Re-training our inner life to love what God loves
- Learning to hear and follow the Spirit
- Being formed into the likeness of Jesus
In other words, it’s not merely thinking differently—it is becoming different.
Centering Prayer: Resting in God’s Presence
A friend of mine recently mentioned the practice of centering prayer, a form of Christian contemplation rooted in the early Church and renewed in our time by spiritual teachers like Fr. Thomas Keating.
Centering prayer invites us to be still and consent to God’s presence and action within.
How It Works
- Sit quietly before the Lord
- Choose a sacred word (Jesus, Peace, Mercy, Abba, etc.)
- When thoughts arise, gently return to the word
- Rest in God’s presence and love
This prayer is not about emptying the mind—it is about opening the heart to the Holy Spirit. It is less doing and more being with God, allowing Christ to quiet the ego, heal the heart, and renew the mind from the inside out.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Ways a Christian Can Renew the Mind
1. Scripture Meditation
Slow, prayerful reflection—Lectio Divina, memorization, dwelling in the Gospels.
2. Centering & Contemplative Prayer
Stillness, silence, surrender, listening.
3. Worship & Sacraments
Let your heart be shaped at the table of grace.
4. Confession & Repentance
Release what distorts your thoughts and receive grace.
5. Spiritual Friendships & Community
We grow by walking with others on the journey.
6. Serving Others
Christ-like action shapes a Christ-like mind.
7. Gratitude & Blessing
Thanksgiving reorders the mind toward joy and peace.
8. Fasting & Simplicity
Breaking worldly attachments makes room for God.
9. Breath Prayer & Christ-Centered Mindfulness
Pray short prayers as you breathe throughout the day
(“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”)
10. Guarding the Mind
Limit noise, negativity, and media that distracts from Christ.
A Daily Rhythm for Renewal
Morning — Scripture & surrender
Midday — Centering prayer
Evening — Gratitude & examen
Little practices, done faithfully, shape a life formed in Christ.
Small habits. Daily surrender. Deep transformation.
A Prayer for Renewal
Lord Jesus,
Renew my mind and transform my heart.
Break the patterns of this world within me,
and align my thoughts with Your truth.
Fill me with Your Spirit,
Your peace,
Your wisdom,
and Your love.
Make me more like You
in how I think, feel, speak, and live.
Amen.
A Blessing
May the Holy Spirit renew your mind,
May Jesus guard your heart,
And may the Father draw you into perfect love,
Today and every day.
Amen.
The Curious Pilgrims 