the Path of

Christian Meditation

the Introduction

what is Christian Meditation?

The spiritual path of Christian Meditation is based on the belief that through the practice of meditation, one can cultivate a deeper connection with God and experience greater peace, joy, and inner transformation. The practice of meditation is seen as a way to still the mind, cultivate greater awareness and presence, and open oneself to the presence of God.

The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) is an international organization that promotes the practice of Christian meditation as a way to cultivate spiritual growth and transformation. The WCCM is inspired by the teaching of the early Christian monk John Main, who emphasized the importance of the repetition of the mantra "Maranatha" as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God.

Overall, the spiritual path of Christian Meditation is a contemporary approach to Christian spiritual practice that emphasizes the importance of the inner journey and the cultivation of a deep and personal relationship with God.

what is ultimately

the goal of Christian Meditation?

The goal of Christian meditation, as practiced by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), is to cultivate a deeper connection with God and to experience greater peace, joy, and inner transformation.

According to the WCCM, the practice of Christian meditation involves the repetition of the mantra "Maranatha" as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God. Through the practice of meditation, practitioners are able to let go of distractions and to quiet their thoughts, allowing them to enter into a state of stillness and to experience a deeper connection with God.

The goal of Christian meditation is not to achieve a specific outcome or state of mind, but rather to create the conditions that allow one to open to the presence of God and to be transformed by that experience. It is believed that through the practice of meditation, one can cultivate greater awareness, presence, and a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Overall, the goal of Christian meditation is to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and to experience greater peace, joy, and inner transformation through the practice of stilling the mind and opening to the presence of God.

learn more about

the Practice

The practice of Christian meditation, as taught by the WCCM, involves a variety of disciplines and activities that are intended to help practitioners cultivate a deeper connection with God and to experience greater peace, joy, and inner transformation. Here is a list of some key practices:

  1. Meditation: Christian meditation involves the repetition of the mantra "Maranatha" as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God.
  2. Contemplation: Christian meditation may also involve the practice of contemplation, which involves reflecting on spiritual truths or passages from the Bible in order to deepen one's understanding of God and one's relationship with Him.
  3. Study: Practitioners of Christian meditation may study the teachings of the Christian tradition and the writings of spiritual masters in order to deepen their understanding of the spiritual path.
  4. Community engagement: Christian meditation is often practiced in a community setting, such as at a retreat or in a local meditation group. Participating in a community of practitioners can help to support and inspire one's meditation practice.
  5. Service: Some practitioners of Christian meditation may engage in service projects as a way to cultivate compassion and to contribute to the well-being of their community.

Overall, the practice of Christian meditation involves a combination of inner practices and outward expressions of compassion and service that are intended to help practitioners cultivate a deeper connection with God and to experience greater peace, joy, and inner transformation.

Christian Meditations

Origin and History

Christian meditation has a long history that can be traced back to the early Christian monastic tradition. In the 4th century, the monk and theologian Evagrius Ponticus wrote about the practice of prayer and contemplation as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God.

In the 20th century, the Benedictine monk John Main developed a specific form of Christian meditation that involves the repetition of the mantra "Maranatha" as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God. Main's teaching was inspired by the mantra meditation practices he encountered in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions during his time as a missionary in Southeast Asia.

The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) was founded in the 1980s by Laurence Freeman, a student of John Main, as a way to promote and support the practice of Christian meditation. The WCCM has since grown to become a global organization with chapters and meditation groups in many countries around the world.

Overall, Christian meditation has a long history that is rooted in the Christian monastic tradition and has been influenced by various spiritual teachings from other traditions. It is a contemporary approach to Christian spiritual practice that emphasizes the importance of the inner journey and the cultivation of a direct and personal relationship with God.

the Lineages of Christian Meditation and

the Prominent Teachers

There have been many prominent teachers and spiritual leaders who have contributed to the development and spread of Christian meditation. Here are a few examples:

  • John Main: John Main was a Benedictine monk who is considered the founder of the modern practice of Christian meditation. He developed a specific form of meditation that involves the repetition of the mantra "Maranatha" as a way to still the mind and open oneself to the presence of God.
  • Laurence Freeman: Laurence Freeman is a Benedictine monk and the current director of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). He is a student of John Main and has played a key role in promoting and spreading the practice of Christian meditation around the world.
  • Thomas Keating: Thomas Keating is a Trappist monk and one of the founders of the contemplative prayer movement within the Christian tradition. He has written extensively on the practice of Christian meditation and has led retreats and workshops on the subject.
  • Cynthia Bourgeault: Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest and writer who has explored the intersection of Christian spirituality and the contemplative traditions of other faiths. She is a well-known teacher and speaker on the practice of Christian meditation.

These are just a few examples of the many teachers and lineages that have contributed to the development and spread of Christian meditation. There are many other spiritual leaders and teachers who have played a role in this tradition.

here are our

Christian Meditation

Places

Below you will find the places around the world, that practice this path.

proudly written by

Simon Ester

Simon is the founder and designer of Relight. Born and raised in Germany Simon grew up with a passion for human potential and spirituality. Obsessed with the study of human nature, Simon is currently studying as a guest student at universities in San Francisco and Bonn (Germany). Integrating insights from his studies in psychology, philosophy, spirituality and anthropology into creating impactful organizations.

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Simon Ester