Christian Meditation?
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop.” (Hand-Book of Proverbs, 1855)
Does hearing the word “meditation” cause a reaction within you? Does it make you feel calm and serene? Or, maybe, cautious and defensive? Depending on your background, you will think differently about meditation and maybe even define it differently. Meditation has been practiced by humans for millennia. Buddhists, Hindus, believers in transcendental meditation (TM), atheists, and Christians all meditate, but not in the same way and not with the same intention.
Traditional Christian writers often use the word meditation to describe spiritual reading or discursive meditation. These prayer practices involve a deep reflection on spiritual writing or the life of Jesus to engage thought, imagination, and feelings. Examples are lectio divina or praying the rosary.
The other meaning of the word meditation for Christians is a quiet receptive prayer without words, thoughts or feelings, practiced in order to help us experience and respond to the presence of God. Often the word meditation is used interchangeably with the word contemplation. I practice the form of meditation called Centering Prayer, which Fr. Keating describes as pre-contemplative. The process is not complicated. It requires dedicating some time to God, sitting down in a quiet spot, stating your intention (for example, to welcome the presence and action of God), being quiet, breathing quietly and naturally, and being open and nonjudgmental.
For years I was put off by the idea of meditation. Though I was intrigued with the science documenting benefits to health and well-being in long-term meditators, I knew nothing of the rich Christian tradition of meditation and the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross, and, in the 20th century, Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, mystic and poet who died in 1968. When I finally began practicing Centering Prayer, I knew this form of prayer was right for me. My mind was way too busy and noisy—it felt like God had leaned close to me and said, “Come rest in quiet with me.” I’m so grateful I said yes because this quiet prayer has brought me closer to God and slowed down my internal clock in a way that I am sure is healthy.
In talking with some folks at my church, I learned I wasn’t the only one with reservations. A few believe meditation carries the risk of opening one’s mind to the devil and evil spirits, or simply put, that it creates an empty mind that can easily be filled by the devil (or evil). I was perplexed how best to respond to this concern. What was the best answer? I turned to a Thomas Merton Facebook group to which I belong for their input. I asked them what they would say. What follows is just a few of the many wise and encouraging answers I received from this group of meditators and followers of Thomas Merton:
“Remember Psalm 46:10, ‘Be still and know I am God.’” [God Himself tells us that by being still we will know Him. He didn’t tell us to be still and watch out for the devil.]
“The Holy Spirit fills us as we empty ourselves of ‘the false self.’”
“I am a cradle Catholic, 70 yrs old and…the take away from those years is a knowing that when I quiet myself and want to be with God, Spirit never hides from me and there just isn't room in that encounter for anything not of God. Kinda cool huh? God always picks up.”
Quote by St. Porphyrios, “When people are empty of Christ, a thousand and one other things come and fill them up: jealousies, hatreds, boredom, melancholy, resentment, a worldly outlook, worldly pressures. Try to fill your soul with Christ so that it’s not empty.”
“I just use 3 words...Jesus, step inside. I relax and try to rid my self of 'self' and let the spirit of my creator fill the open space. Then listen with an open mind and heart. After practicing this for so long it happens quickly and I love this method of prayer and meditation I have found. So I just 'step outside' to make room!”
“Have you ever felt that devilish activity or know of anyone who has? No? Me neither. Press on regardless”
“If the void is filled with the presence and spirit of God, how could the devil even attempt to get in? Would it not flee instead?”
“I….consent to God’s presence while in prayer. The silence is a “hallowed sacred” held by the open heart/silent mind for God and myself to meet.”
When I approach my God with the stated intention to savor precious quiet time with Him, I know He will be there with me. Where He is, the devil will definitely not be.
I found a common theme in all these comments, which helped me prepare a response for the next time I’m faced with a question about meditation and the risk of an empty mind. I will explain that when I approach my God with the stated intention to savor precious quiet time with Him, I know He will be there with me—even if I may not feel His presence. Where He is, the devil will definitely not be. The devil or evil cannot create darkness where there is light. My “yes,” my intention, my surrender of my time opens myself to God and repels the devil. I cannot prove this to anyone, but my faith, supplemented by experience and reason, tells me it is true.
I’m more worried about a too-busy mind than a quiet and empty one. My personal experience is that being too busy up in my head—sometimes with negative thoughts like resenting, comparing, judging, blaming, worrying, or holding on to guilt—is much more likely to lead me away from God and to sin than is my quiet mind when I am resting and trusting in the presence of Our Lord during meditation.
My sincere thanks to all the Merton group members who offered their answers and encouragement.
Suggestions:
1. If you would like to learn more, check out the link Centering Prayer, which also includes details about Thomas Keating’s writings. Or, consider Christian Meditation by James Finely. I’m reading it at the suggestion of one of the Merton members and finding it to be an excellent resource.
3. Find some silence in your life no matter what else you do—precious moments without screens, news, conversation, or podcasts. If you can combine the silence with nature, that’s even better.
3. Do not keep studying about Christian meditation so that you can understand it just a little better. If you’ve been called to understand it, that means you’re probably being called to try it. Surrender a little time to sit with Jesus, maybe only two or ten minutes, but just start.
4. You might be interested in my blog post about mindfulness as it relates to meditation.
“And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. “
- Ephesians 3:19
I wonder if you have felt a resistance to meditation like I initially felt or heard from others...fearing that it might not be an authentic Christian practice? Or has meditative prayer proved helpful to you and enhanced your relationship with God? Please let me know in the comments. I hope you know how much I love hearing from you…here or on Facebook or Twitter.
I keep you all in my prayers and hope you are getting along OK during these very challenging times.
May God bless each and every one of you.
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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She is the author of the award-winning book and Amazon best-seller Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021). You can read her full bio here.