Christian Meditation

Meditation and silent prayer

What is Christian Meditation and Contemplation?

Meditation and contemplation are defined differently in the Christian tradition than in the Eastern religions. In Christianity, meditation means to ponder or meditate on something. In the Benedictine tradition of Lectio Divina, the divine reading, a biblical text is read and then thought about with all senses, one immerses oneself in the text, empathizes, listens to one another, smells one's way and thinks into the perspectives of all persons involved, about the meaning des to fully penetrate the text. This process is called meditation. When you have grasped the essential message of the text and find peace in it in prayer and let go of all thoughts, then contemplation occurs. Coming to rest in prayer or in the core message of the scriptures is contemplation. In the Eastern meditations the terms are often understood the other way round; but these are technical details and you just have to be aware of the definition a conversation partner uses. Whenever Christian meditation is spoken of in general, this usually includes contemplation. The term mysticism is often associated with meditation and contemplation. In addition to writing meditation, i.e. the Lectio Divina, there are also other objects on which one can meditate and contemplate. In the one-word prayer, the Ruminatio, e.g. the Heart prayer or Jesus prayer, the word Jesus or a short prayer such as "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" is silently repeated in the rhythm of the breath until one comes to rest. Other forms of meditations in the Ancient Celtic Church are the Spiritual exercises of the Seven Levels, the Loving kindness and the Tonglen (Compassion) meditation.

The beatified Carmelite monk Titus Brandsma wrote that mysticism is 99.9% psychology, that is, it arises almost entirely from the human spirit. The experiences and knowledge gained in meditation are not supernatural phenomena. If God shines through in meditation and contemplation, it is because we have opened up to his presence and suddenly understood his message. Whether our spirit has achieved this or God has come to meet us in the process, we can confidently leave it in the realm of mystery.

What is Christian meditation and contemplation for?
Christian meditation is a technique for gaining knowledge and training the mind. The respective meditation techniques pursue different goals.

In a cursory reading of the Bible, we cannot fully appreciate its deeper meanings and messages. When we meditate on a biblical text (Scripture Meditation - Lectio Divina), we penetrate into the deeper levels and then really understand what is supposed to be communicated to us in it. Immersing yourself in the object of meditation and coming to rest and linger is an experience and an experience and not just intellectual reflection.

In loving-kindness meditation, we condition our mind to see other people and beings in a more positive and loving way. We thereby overcome anger and hatred. This training of the mind makes us friendlier contemporaries and more understanding, entirely in the spirit of charity. One can view this meditation as a meditative form of intercessory prayer.

Breathing meditation trains us in mindfulness. The unconscious perception and reaction patterns as well as thoughts and feelings are perceived more consciously and give us the opportunity to act more consciously and calmly.

At the Jesus prayer let us follow the biblical instruction "Pray without ceasing". It also serves to follow Jesus Christ, in which we recognize Jesus in others and in ourselves and so that Jesus can grow in us, as Paul put it "Jesus in us".

In meditation in nature and in places where we can feel the presence of God particularly easily, we become aware that God is close to us. In the Celtic tradition we call these places "thin places".

But of course Christian meditation also has its value because of its relaxing effect. In medical studies on meditation, e.g. mindfulness-based stress reduction, autogenic training, etc., the positive effects on health and wellbeing have been proven.

Where can you learn Christian meditation?
Many Christian congregations and religious orders offer regular meditation meetings and seminars. In monastery communities you can take part in meditation retreats lasting several days. There are many good books available about the Jesus prayer (prayer from the heart), with the help of which one can learn contemplative prayer on an autodidactic basis. Then one should try to maintain a regular practice. You shouldn't put yourself under too much pressure, that would be counterproductive. A group can be very supportive to a regular practice. The Ancient Celtic Church regularly offers introductions for this.