Kenosis Prayer

This practice originates from the Jewish concept of Nothingness (Ayin) and the concept of Kenosis, as mentioned in Philippians 2:5-9. In reverent respect for that, I refer to it as the Kenosis Prayer.

In essence, we are to nullify our will before His will. This is to humble ourselves before God and to better listen to the Divine Will.

During this type of meditation/prayer, you must regard yourself, your desires, your needs, and your wants as nothing, for you must entirely place your trust in God and remove your ego from the equation.

In my own practice, I sit in silence before icons of Christ, St. Michael, and St. Mary, incensing the room with frankincense and myrrh. Naturally, with any kind of meditation, it's beneficial to be in a position that allows you to be comfortable, so you're not distracted by pain or discomfort.

In this silence, I will sign the Cross and mentally recite a prayer regarding the current things I'm thankful for or items that require empathy and loving care. After this prayer, I make an intention of beginning the silence. During this silence, I attempt to relax and clear my mind of all thoughts. It's typical for the occasional wandering thought to manifest itself, and for this, I picture it blowing away as dust in the wind.

I maintain no expectations, ask for nothing, and expect nothing. I'm simply sitting in the silence and attempting to be receptive. After some time has passed, 10-15 minutes, I decide to end the prayer with an offering of thanksgiving and make the Sign of the Cross. From here, I depart and, if necessary, write down any notions or feelings that arose.

My first experience with this resulted in a notion, emanation, or vibration that did not originate from myself. Despite no words being said, a message was received, and that was, paraphrased, of course, "to put books upstairs". It was as if the message was transmitted instantaneously and I had received the entirety of it in that exact moment.

Breaking this down into clearer steps:

1. Prepare the space - Set your intention with a quiet atmosphere.
2. Sign of the Cross - In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen
3. Offer gratitude and empathy - Be thankful to God and show care for others.
4. Enter silence - Relax the body and address your thoughts to clear your mental space of distraction.
5. Sit and receive - Ask for nothing, expect nothing. Exist and be within the silence for as long as you deem necessary.
6. Conclude with gratitude - Express your thankfulness for the moment of silence.
7. Notate - Only if something was given. Don't force meaning.

The Kenosis Prayer is not a technique to produce visions or experiences.
Its purpose is simply to sit before God without demand.

Whether or not anything is “felt,” the practice itself is the offering. Each time we return to this silence, the self is lightened, the noise of the world is lessened, and the quiet presence of God becomes easier to recognize in daily life.

Thank you,
~Austin