The Devout Christian S Help To Meditation

Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or awareness. But this book is not a mere historical survey of these teachings. In Into the Silent Land, we see the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West brought sharply to bear on the modern-day longing for radical openness to God in the depths of the heart. Laird's book is not like the many presentations for beginners. While useful for those just starting out, this book serves especially as a guide for those who desire to journey yet deeper into the silence of God. The heart of the book focuses on negotiating key moments of struggle on the contemplative path, when the whirlwind of distractions or the brick wall of boredom makes it difficult to continue. Laird shows that these inner struggles, even wounds, that any person of prayer must face, are like riddles, trying to draw out of us our own inner silence. Ultimately Laird shows how the wounds we loathe become vehicles of the healing silence we seek, beyond technique and achievement. Throughout the language is fresh, direct, and focused on real-life examples of people whose lives are incomparably enriched by the practice of contemplation.

Reduce stress and anxiety without medication ******* Most people go to their family doctor for stress and anxiety, hoping for medication. According to Relaxing the Brain through Mindfulness and Christian Meditation, there is a better and cheaper way-mindfulness and Christian meditation based on Scripture. We have to learn to let go of the anxieties of the past and future through meditation. It amounts to "letting go of selfish demands to be at peace in the presence of God."

Puritan writer Thomas Watson invites all believers to explore the much passed-over and neglected hidden gem and discipline of biblical meditation. With godly wisdom and poetic passion, Watson helps us understand what biblical meditation is and why it is essential for Christians to learn it well. He guides us very practically through the mechanics of meditation and outlines fifteen topics with Scripture references to start us off well on our journey. In this rare treasure of a book, Watson is passionate about inviting us to partake with him of the sweet discipline and illuminating adventure of meditating upon God Himself and His Word. This classic book is a must read for any Christian longing for a deeper and more vibrant relationship with Christ and a fresh encounter with Scripture.