Centering would be part of that experience of contemplative prayer without image. Keating, who has written extensively on the technique. Prayer of simplicity, prayer of the heart, prayer of simple regard. They need a source within themselves to draw on in the face of opposition and disappointment. We see a real connection between contemplative prayer and social action ministries.
Contemplation happens .
We may be called to contemplation, but it is a gift from God. Contemplative prayer can occur unpredictably, when we weren't even planning on praying. When this happens, we should stay with it and not think we have to move on to 'finish' whatever form of prayer we were in. After all, people can move in and out of different kinds of prayer. You could begin saying an Our Father and be moved into a contemplative experience of God.