Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Forms of meditation exist in nearly every religious tradition, including Christianity. Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

At its most basic, meditation is letting go - of our habitual thoughts, preferences, judgments, and feelings. We tap into our immense God-given source of compassion and kindness. Meditation retrains our minds and hearts to know true humility and love.

Meditation techniques are simple and can be learned in a few minutes and you can spend a lifetime “practicing” them. Meditation can be intimidating, so you must keep in mind that it is a practice. The best way to start meditating is to start meditating and not worry about getting it right.

Beginning in January, Saint Peter will be offering an introduction to meditation and prayer. For several weeks, you will have an opportunity to learn the basics of meditation and how meditation can be combined with prayer to nurture your spiritual life. These sessions will be less than 30 minutes and you are encouraged to practice what you have learned in between sessions.

The same sessions will be offered three times during the week. You are invited to join as many sessions as you like. The following is a schedule of what will be covered each week.

Week of January 10 – Introduction to Mindfulness (Breathe prayer)

Breathing Techniques
Awareness

Week of January 17 - Focused Meditation (Watching the River)

Setting Intention
Silence
Presence

Week of January 24 - Meditation as Prayer (Loving Kindness)

Divine Awareness
Holy Listening
Knowing

Week of January 31 - Contemplative Prayer (Lectio Divina)

Sacred Space
Divine Intent
Gospel Action

If you have any questions, please contact Bethany Laurie or Jeanne Maloney. We look forward to spending this sacred time with you.