In Christian Meditation or what is also called Centering Prayer, we rest in what I think of as alert relaxation. The mind, of course, is always buzzing with plans for the future or worries about the past. The mind loves to be in control and it can be tiring trying to keep up with it. However, in meditation, it is possible to become aware of the mind’s wanderings and gently bring it back to the present with a simple mantra. Yes, the mind will soon be off and running again, but again, we say the mantra and gently bring it back, much like the movement of a gentle wave. The mantra I generally use is peace. I envision returning to peace. It is only in the present moment when we can experience the peace of Christ. Despite what the mind tries to tell us, we have only this present moment, and this moment is all that is needed to experience God.
Many cultures and traditions practice meditation, including our secular society. What sets Christian meditation apart is our intention to make room for Christ in our lives and in our hearts. In our time of meditation, we simply sit with God and one another. Over time, we find we can carry that Presence into all aspects of our lives, relationships, and in our work. This Lenten season I invite you to join me for meditation via Zoom. In our time together we will start with a short reading to help focus our intention. We will then sit for no more than twenty minutes, and conclude with a few minutes of discussion and spoken prayer. I am envisioning that we will be together for about an hour. If you are considering joining me, please let me know what days and times may be best for you. Do you prefer afternoon or evenings? I am not adverse to holding two sessions a week, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, if there is interest. Also, please consider inviting those not part of our community to join us. Since we begin anew in every session, those unexperienced in meditation as well as the experienced are welcome.
Questions? Just let me know. I look forward to sitting with you.
Love and Blessings
,Rev. Sue Ann
God is a mystery and our own life is a mystery. In the presence of mystery what we must do is let the mystery be. Allow the mystery the fullness of its own being. Allow it to reveal itself. When we meditate that is exactly what we do. We allow God to be God. We allow ourselves to be in [God’s] presence. That is the extraordinary power of it.
Moment of Christ (copyright 1984, page 62), Father John Main, OSB