Jesus often withdrew to places of stillness and solitude to re-orientate his life in God. Early Christians practiced mediation. Today this practice has often been ignored, yet passages like “be still and know that I am God” attract us. Spiritual teacher of our time Fr Thomas Keating said “silence is God’s language”. A new group is starting with the aim of learning and practicing the art of Christian Meditation.
Christian Meditation is based on: stillness, silence and simplicity. The aim is to move closer to union with God by sitting quietly. To aid us in being still we are invited to repeat in silence the word “Maranatha” which means “come Lord”. We come in simplicity, not asking for anything, or seeking to tell God anything, just wanting to be open to God. We are leaving busyness and self-consciousness aside to let God transform us deep to deep. We’re not thinking about anything, spiritual or otherwise, just seeking to be in the presence of God and to be wholly present to God. Those who persevere will inevitably see the results in their lives, “the fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Meditation does need to be regular, and it does require discipline.
The new group will meet for the first time at St Martins Presbyterian Church, 43 St Martins Road, on Tuesday June 11th at 7pm. If you are interested come and see. The group is not for experts, but for people interested in exploring a form of prayer that is much needed in our time. Our aim is to meet weekly for those who can make it, but to also encourage a daily personal practice of mediation.
For more information make contact with Dugald at dugaldwil@gmail.com or go to www.christianmeditationnz.org.nz &/or www.wccm.org