HISTORY
    Meditation is not something new to the Christian experience, but is deeply
    rooted in Christian tradition.  However, many Christians have lost touch with
    this ancient tradition of prayer.  Meditation involves coming to a stillness of
    spirit and a stillness of body.  The extraordinary thing is that, in spite of all the
    distractions of the modern world, this silence is perfectly possible for all of us.  
    To attain this silence and stillness, we have to devote time, energy and love.

    The way to set out on this pilgrimage is to recite a short phrase, a word that
    today is commonly called a mantra.  The mantra is simply a means of turning our
    attention beyond ourselves, a method of drawing us away from our own thoughts
    and concerns.  The real work of meditation is to attain harmony of body, mind
    and spirit.  This is the aim given us by the psalmist: "Be still and know that I am
    God".

    St. Paul wrote (Rom. 8:26) that "we do not know how to pray, but the spirit
    prays within us".  What this means in the language of our own day is that before
    we can pray, we first have to learn to become still, to become attentive.  Only
    then can we enter into loving awareness of the Spirit of Jesus deep within our
    heart.

    Meditation, known also as contemplative prayer, is the prayer of silence, the
    place where direct contact with Christ can occur, once the never ceasing activity
    of the mind has been stilled.  In meditation we go beyond words, thoughts and
    images into the presence of God within.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AS AN ELEVENTH STEP PRACTICE
 

The World Community for Christian
Meditation
11th Step Practice
St. Mark's, Myddelton Square
London EC1R 1XX
England, UK
+44 0207 278 2070
Email:
info@christianmeditation11step.org
www.christianmeditation11step.org

"Meditation is to the spirit what food and air are to the body.  We must come to
peacefulness, serenity and our capacity for true vision if we are to live in the
light of God.  Again and again the New Testament tells us that the light shines in
our hearts.  So we need only be open to it in humility and love.”  
                 John Main OSB   - Word Made Flesh
THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION