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What is Christian
Meditation? Christian Meditation, also
known as Contemplative Prayer, is a form of silent prayer
that quiets our minds and helps us become more
receptive to God’s loving presence.
When practiced on a daily basis, Christian
Meditation helps some of us feel more connected to God. This
brings a growing trust in God’s unconditional love, a deeper
appreciation for God’s miraculous gifts, and a better
ability to choose actions that are in harmony with the
teachings of Jesus Christ.
We often find opportunities to talk to God. Our meditation
time is a time that we set aside for letting God
talk to us. We let God talk in God’s preferred language, the
language of silence and mystery.
Why do I need a group for Christian Meditation?
Christian Meditation is a discipline and it helps to have a
group that supports and encourages the ongoing work that
meditation requires.
The intangible
benefit of participating in a Christian Meditation group is
the nurturing that you feel when you are part of a small
group in which you are appreciated, loved, and cared for.
How do I find out more about this Christian Meditation
Group?
To learn more about the St. Peter’s
Christian Meditation group, talk to Roger Sessions
(836-2244) or Linda Arceneaux.
More information on Christian Meditation is available at the
web site of the World Community for Christian Meditation: (www.wccm.org)
or the Texas Chapter (www.wccmtexas.org).of
WCCM.
Who can participate in the St. Peter's Christian Meditation
Group? All are welcome at The St. Peter’s
Christian Meditation Group. You do not need to be a member
of St. Peter’s to participate. You do not need to make a
long-term commitment. There is no cost. Feel free to drop by
and try it out.
If you are from Brenham or nearby, consider making this
Christian Meditation Group part of your regular spiritual
practice.
When and where does the group meet?
The
group meets at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the St.
Peter’s House annex on S. Day Street in Brenham (right
behind the St. Peter’s sign) on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM
and in the St. Peter's Church Library on Wednesdays at noon.
What is the practice of Christian Meditation?
Christian Meditation is the opening of the mind and heart to
the presence of God.
First, choose a sacred phrase as the symbol of your
intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
Many people use Maranatha, the Aramaic phrase for Come,
Lord.
Then sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Settle
briefly. Repeat the sacred phrase silently as you empty
yourself to God’s presence. Continue repeating the sacred
phrase for your entire meditation period.
When you become aware of thoughts, do not follow them
or berate yourself for having them. Let them gently float
away, like a leaf on a stream. Return
ever-so-gently to the sacred phrase, using it as a beacon to
reestablish your receptivity to God’s presence.
At the end of the meditation period, remain in silence
with your eyes closed for a minute or two. You may choose to
close the session with a spoken prayer of thanks.
Try to set aside at least twenty minutes for the time
of Christian Meditation. Most people find that twenty
minutes is a minimum time to achieve a state of relative
inner quiet. When possible, do this twice a day. Think of it
as a special time that you are dedicating to deepening your
relationship with God.
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees
when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The
kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,
nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because
the kingdom of God is within you.”
- Luke 17:20
Be still, and know that I am God
- Psalm 46 |
