Dear Jeremiah:

Centering Prayer is a major problem and should not be practiced by Christians. See the article, The Danger of Centering Prayer.

Lectio Divina is Reading the Scripture with prayer. Pope Benedict XVI stated of Lectio Divina:

In this context, I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n. 25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church — I am convinced of it — a new spiritual springtime.

As a strong point of biblical ministry, Lectio divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]: 105).

The method of Lectio Divina is divided into four parts:

Lectio: Reading a selected scriptural passage slowly and deliberately several times

Meditatio: Meditating and ruminating on the scriptural passage listening for what God has to reveal through the passage.

Oratio: Opening one's heart to God through this scripture passage. This is not an intellectual conversation but an intuitive conversation with God.

Contemplatio: Loving focus on God through a wordless contemplation and joyful rest in his presence.

Christian Meditation and Contemplation is not to "empty the mind" as in Eastern meditation techniques. It is focused. For more on Christian Mediation see the Vatican's article, On Some Aspects on Christian Mediation.

Concerning the Jesus Prayer, this is the tradition of Eastern monks called Hesychasts. The Catechism states:

2667 This simple invocation of faith developed in the tradition of prayer under many forms in East and West. The most usual formulation, transmitted by the spiritual writers of the Sinai, Syria, and Mt. Athos, is the invocation, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners." It combines the Christological hymn of Philippians 2:6-11 with the cry of the publican and the blind men begging for light. By it the heart is opened to human wretchedness and the Savior's mercy.

2668 The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always. When the holy name is repeated often by a humbly attentive heart, the prayer is not lost by heaping up empty phrases, but holds fast to the word and "brings forth fruit with patience." This prayer is possible "at all times" because it is not one occupation among others but the only occupation: that of loving God, which animates and transfigures every action in Christ Jesus.

Again, this method must avoid the emptying of the mind and rather focus on Jesus.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary