This term, every class will be re-introducing Christian Meditation as a prayer experience. To prepare for this, we participated in a Spirituality session to participate in and plan for Christian Meditation across Kinder to Year 6.

What is Christian Meditation?

Christian Meditation is a contemplative prayer practice that is deeply rooted in our Christian tradition in which we listen to the Word of God and allow it to work within our being. Christian Meditation is what early Christians called ‘pure prayer’.

What are the origins of Christian Meditation?

Christian Meditation originates from apostolic times but the mantra, or ‘sacred word’, based form we use today comes from the desert Fathers of the late third and fourth centuries. The spiritual writings of a Christian Monk, John Cassian, later influenced Benedict in the formation of his rule. He stated that the simple repetition of a sacred word is the best way of reducing distractions from the mind.

Why practise Christian Meditation?

Christian Meditation is a means of opening up our lives to the total direction of the Spirit of God. There is research into the benefits of Christian Mediation for Children. Some of them are:

• The fruits of the Holy Spirit become visible in our lives
• A reduction in stress and an increase in feelings of wellbeing and harmony
• Can lead to increased self-knowledge and self-acceptance
• Deepens our personal relationship with God
• Increases the feeling of community with others