COJK,+Special,+Prayer-Meditation+Sections

Prayer/Meditation Section
(Return to Assignment 3)

I think of meditation and prayer as being two sides of the same coin. Both involve communion with God and both involve times of intention and times of mindfulness. Nelson's New Christian Dictionary defines meditation as: 1. Quiet time spent in contemplating the Word of God and in fumigating the mind of the toxic thoughts and ideas that infiltrate it every day. 2. Private devotion or spiritual exercise focused on a religious theme. 3. Spoken or written contemplative discourse delving into spiritual things. And prayer as: Fellowship and communion with God involving adoration, worship, praise, thanksgiving, supplication, petition, confession, repentance, meditation, dedication, and intercession. In both prayer and meditation we intentionally set aside time to spend with God. Prayer usually involves us speaking to God in some way whether out loud or silently. We tell him of our love for him, we thank him for all that he has done, and continues to do for us, we admit our sins and failings, and we ask for his continued blessing on ourselves and others. But both prayer and meditation also involve simply being mindful of God's presence throughout the day. Allowing ourselves to hear God's voice whenever he may want to speak to us. Being open to hear what he may want to tell us about the people we encounter or the situations we find ourselves in.


 * __Meditation Techniques__**

Begin by noting your intention to spend more time in solitude and silence. All meditation practices begin with an act of intention: We make a positive statement to ourselves and God that we desire a deeper awareness and experience of the divine. Begin to notice times when you are already in solitude and/or silence - when you take a walk, when you are at home by yourself, when you are doing yard work.* During these times, consciously bring to mind your intention to pray. Ask God to help you notice the presence of Jesus in your life. Address God with any specific questions or concerns you might have about anything. Listen for the reply from God. Don’t be concerned if nothing happens. Continue to bring your mind back to God in the silence. Over time, pay attention to your desires regarding your prayer life. Perhaps you find yourself wanting to pray more. Perhaps you find your life changing in various ways. If you find yourself desiring more silence and solitude, respond to these desires. Go on a retreat, learn about more meditation and prayer practices, spend more time alone with God, he is no doubt calling you. adapted from, "Creating a Life with God" by Daniel Wolpert
 * Solitude and Silence**

The Jesus Prayer can be done anywhere - as you take a walk, on the bus, late at night in bed, in church. Repeat in your mind, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The repetition should be continuous; that is the phrase is to be spoken again and again. Allow the words to flow into your entire being. When you are done, express your thanks to God.
 * Jesus Prayer**