During this short podcast you'll catch a glimpse of a rare form of Christianity, somewhat estranged from the Western world perhaps, but very much part of Christianity further to the East since the earliest of days: a rich contemplative tradition of prayer, meditation, and living a spiritual way of life "practicing the presence of God", as Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection once described it. Meditation in the Hebrew Bible: "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10). This passage from the Acts of Peter provides a great description of meditation practice: "Give ear; withdraw your souls from all that appears but is not truly real; close these eyes of yours, close your ears, withdraw from actions that are outwardly seen; and you shall know the reality of Christ and the whole secret of your salvation." Meditation according to Meister Eckhart: "There is a speaking of God in the core of the soul where no creature can enter or speak, for only God lives there and only He speaks. God speaks there when the soul puts aside all that is created, when she silences her powers and gains a vision into the foundation of her pure essence. In this pure and silent soul, God the Father speaks and she hears His Voice." From the Prayers of John of Apamea: "What wonders has your love effected! When someone is still alive he has left this world: though his bodily condition remains with the world's bodily condition, yet his spirit has been raised up towards You, so that for a period of time he is where he knows not, being totally raptured and drawn towards You."
Christian meditation and mysticism does exist -- is a thing -- for real, and we will explore it today during this Spiritual Awakening Radio podcast! Hope you'll join me.
All for the love of wisdom, radio, and podcasting,
James Bean
Spiritual Awakening Radio
Christian Meditation and Mysticism Does Exist -- Is a Thing