Mission Blog: Christian Meditation
Why Christian Meditation?
Christian meditation dates back to the third and fourth centuries. In the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and other Middle Eastern areas, people looked for a simpler way of focusing their attention on God’s presence all around them.St John Cassian of the fourth century stressed repeating a formula or ‘mantra’ during meditation and insisted this practice led to the silence of ‘pure prayer’. That is, praying without words or images.
The Aim of Christian Meditation
- To teach us to find God in stillness, silence, and simplicity.
- To centre us and lower all racing thoughts.
- To deepen our personal relationship based with God.
- To find inner peace.
Benefits of Christian Meditation
- The mental and physical benefits of meditation are now widely recognised. It is well documented that those who practice regular meditation come to discover who they are at the very core of their being.
- Those who practice and experience meditation reap a host of benefits, including but not limited to increased focus, self-control, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and better relationships.
- Meditation improves sleep patterns and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
How to Meditate
- Find a comfortable, quiet place free from distractions.
- Sit up in a relaxed position, with a straight back, with the body alert and wakeful.
- Gently close your eyes, keep your body still and breathe calmly and normally.
- Continuously recite the mantra ‘Come Lord Jesus’ silently, slowly, and rhythmically.
- Listen to the words as you slowly say them in your heart.
- Repeat for 5 to 15 minutes.
- If other thoughts and images arise, simply and gently return to saying the mantra.
Christian meditation is a wonderful way of understanding the goodness that comes from placing oneself in the total presence of God. As the Old Testament says: ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10).
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of your Holy Spirit. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call on your name.
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Jillian Landers, Director of Mission
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
