Meditation and Prayer
A Christian Perspective…
Meditation, mindfulness, mindful meditation…These are some of the many keywords used all over the internet to describe the mental practice and relaxation technique: still and focusing on the breath. Many find it beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety. Others utilize it in healing and growth.
Meditation, much like prayer, can help us return to the present moment, ease the mind and bring us back to reality. This works because our thoughts and emotions constantly pull us in many directions but meditation slows down this process and helps us become more self-aware. This can be beneficial when we are trying to get some work done or just need to quiet down our mental voices for a moment.
Unlike meditation, prayer takes things a step further. It creates a sense of connection between us and the force we call “God” and others refer to as “the universe”. Christians believe that it is our sole responsibility to be involved in the art of prayer as well as praise and worship which creates a connection to God.
Also unlike meditation, prayer strips us of the ego and focuses more on “the creator”. Some find this uncomfortable or silly, unable to let go of their hold on reality. Others understand the importance of letting go but fail to create the deeper connection required for spiritual healing.
This is where prayer becomes incredibly important to the Christian. It brings us back to center and “keeps us connected” in a way that glorifies God. This is because we understand that as helpful and useful as meditation can be, it can only go so far in keeping us whole. Meditation works when we need calm and presence. When we need to let go and focus. What happens, however, when we need comfort and reassurance? When we have questions that need answers? This is where meditation ends and prayer begins. It becomes a way to plead and request. A means to repent and seek penance. A chance to ask and receive. Prayer is the key.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. — 1 John 5:14–15.
In my renewed and albeit shaky practice of Christianity, I have found it beneficial to be mindful in prayer and urge all Christians to do the same.
For the new Christian, if prayer is overwhelming or intimidating, if talking to God proves too difficult or out of reach, then meditation can be a good first step. Practiced consistently, with prayer as the ultimate goal, it can be very beneficial in improving our mental state and clarity and so can very well become the basis of our spiritual growth.
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