Basil Pennington, one of the best known proponents of the centering prayer technique, has delineated the guidelines for centering prayer:

1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed, relax, and quiet yourself. Be in love and faith to God.
2. Choose a sacred word that best supports your sincere intention to be in the Lord’s presence and open to His divine action within you (i.e. “Jesus,” “Lord,” “God,” “Savior,” “Abba,” “Divine,” “Shalom,” “Spirit,” “Love,” etc.).
3. Let that word be gently present as your symbol of your sincere intention to be in the Lord’s presence and open to His divine action within you.
4. Whenever you become aware of anything (thoughts, feelings, perceptions, images, associations, etc.), simply return to your sacred word, your anchor.

It seems that the focus here is on a word. I would say that the bible guides us to contemplate or meditate on the nature of God and Jesus as opposed to be fixed on certain words. As the scripture for this week indicates, it is through experiencing the love of Jesus that we receive power from God.

What I am wondering if you experience the love of Jesus when you pray in a centering type prayer?

You mention that you’re unaware of research that shows Christians are healthier. The research is showing that people who practice a faith and hold to certain beliefs and attitudes do seem to live longer. In some studies they have lower blood pressure. Take a look at some of the links under the Connection tab on my site to read about these studies.

Thanks!

That said, I found the Centering Prayer as taught by the late Fr. Basil Pennington, truly enriching so far as my spiritual life and psychological wellness goes. But it doesn’t involve thinking about Jesus - it’s a wordless form of turning to God.