Meditating in the Christian Tradition

Meditation is not something new. This form of silent, imageless prayer is rooted in the gospel and the letters of St. Paul; it was taught by the 4th century Desert Mothers and Fathers and is found in the 14th century spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing. Meditation, also known as contemplative prayer, is the prayer of silence and listening, of self-forgetting:

“Be still and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be

By gently and faithfully repeating a mantra or prayer word, we consent to the presence and action of God within us. Drawn beyond our “emotional programs for happiness” (borrowing Thomas Keating’s phrase), contemplation creates space for God’s transforming Love; offering a new level of seeing and being; a new possibility of presence to one another. In this sense, meditation doesn’t replace or eclipse existing forms of prayer or community worship or works of charity but becomes an intrinsic part of these expressions. “To learn contemplative practice is to learn what we need so as to live truthfully and honestly and lovingly. It is a deeply revolutionary matter.” (Rowan Williams: Address to the Synod of Bishops, 2012).

Meditation is not something new, but with minds that are stilled and hearts ready to receive, we are made new. “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) 

Come and see. 

Come and join in this Copernican revolution of the soul.

Meditation with Grace is an online meditation group formed with the support and guidance of Grace Anglican Church, Waterdown. The group meets via Zoom every Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30. During the hour we listen to a recorded talk or reflection and then meditate in silence. This is followed by voluntary sharing and a time for questions, answers, and wondering. 

You can access a Zoom link to join a session at www.graceanglicanwaterdown.org/meditationwithgrace

More information, is available through Cindy Allen at 905- 689-6715, ext 80.