Ok, this gets kinda deep...but....

A social media friend of mine, Addison Hodges Hart said the following in one of his numerous brilliant blog posts on the difference between Christian meditation and the nihilism of modern meditation: “The Christian concept of contemplative prayer is very nearly the antithesis of what I have tried to describe above (modern nihilistic meditation). For one thing, it isn’t a quest for either “experience” or “emptiness.” It is essentially an ongoing interaction with God, “in whom we live and move and have our being” (see Acts 17:28). “

On this blog, whenever we are talking about “meditation”, we are talking about hesychastic/contemplative/kenotic/noetic prayer (in the ancient Christian tradition), to THE actual deity, the Transcendent God, the source of ALL reality, matter, light, and consciousness.

“God is the name of the blanket we put over the mystery to give it a shape” — Road manager for AC/DC

When we say “God”, we mean that mysterious source of all that exists any and every “where”. When we say “God” we are NOT describing a grand space wizard that somehow figured out how to manipulate time, space, and matter. If there is a “where” even if there is no mass there, nothing detectable by our instruments, the Divine is the source of that too, whatever that “that” is. We are contemplating that what we call “God” (we know not what “It” calls Itself, not that “It” can even be described as an "it”, but here I use “It” for a reason, read further…) has come in the form of a human, dwelt among us, and His disciples beheld His light. We are contemplating on and sitting with that mystery. Fully God, fully human…how? The Divine Transcendence, lived on Earth as a man. Suffered, then died, and rose again. We get to eat His flesh and drink His blood, in ways that no one can adequately describe using human words. The Word that was and with that Divine Transcendence, is now human, and continues to be so, sitting at the right hand of the Father. THAT is what we are praying to and meditating on.

Secondly, we are not doing pantheiststic meditation. We are not uniting with the universe, as we are already part of it (we are creatures after all). But rather, we are, by grace, uniting with the Divine Transcendent God (Father, Son, and holy Spirit). This process is called theosis. We are “experiencing” God, but this experience is rarely ecstatic. In other words, the goal is not visions, dreams, prophecies, emotions, lights, seeing angels, or any such thing. They may occur, if that is God’s will, but they are not the goal. The goal is unity with God. We are, then, Panentheistic in our meditation practices. Which means, the Divine Transcendent, cause of all causes, the Triune God, is both sovereign from His creation, needing nothing else to sustain Himself, yet is also in all of creation. Everything in Him, and Him in everything.

Jesus prayed that we would share in His glory and be one even as He and the Father are one. We seek sharing in His glory, and that oneness by grace, that is demonstrated by the triune God by nature/essence.

So with all of that said, that is the spiritual side of things. We also know, as a by product, there are health benefits to doing these type of prayers and meditations.

Engaging in hesychastic, contemplative, kenotic, or noetic prayer can have a range of natural health benefits for people who practice these forms of prayer within a Christian context.

Sense of Purpose

1. Clarity and Direction: Engaging in deep prayer helps individuals gain insight into their life purpose and direction. This sense of divine connection can lead to clearer life goals and personal values.

2. Fulfillment and Motivation: A strong sense of purpose derived from spiritual practices can enhance motivation, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling daily activities.

3. Resilience and Hope: Believing that one's life is part of a greater divine plan can foster resilience in the face of challenges and maintain hope during difficult times.

Mental Health

1. Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Contemplative prayer promotes mindfulness and relaxation, which can reduce anxiety and stress levels.

2. Emotional Regulation: The practice encourages introspection and self-awareness, aiding in better emotional regulation and reducing negative emotions like anger and sadness.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Regular meditation and prayer can improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity, potentially enhancing cognitive function over time.

Physical Health

1. Lower Blood Pressure: The calming effects of deep prayer and meditation can lead to lower blood pressure, promoting heart health.

2. Improved Immune Function: Stress reduction associated with contemplative practices can enhance immune function, making the body more resilient to illnesses.

3. Better Sleep Quality: Prayer and meditation practices can improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia-related symptoms.

Sense of Community

1. Social Support: Engaging in prayer within a community can provide a strong support network, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness.

2. Shared Values and Goals: Participating in communal prayer helps individuals connect with others who share similar values and goals, reinforcing social bonds and collective purpose.

3. Empathy and Compassion: Regular prayer can increase feelings of empathy and compassion towards others, enhancing social relationships and community well-being.

• Acts 17:28: "For in him we live and move and have our being." This verse suggests that our existence is fundamentally connected to and sustained by God.

• Colossians 1:16-17: "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This passage emphasizes the idea that everything exists in and through Christ.

• Ephesians 4:6: "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This verse supports the idea that God permeates all of creation.

• Jeremiah 23:24: "'Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?' declares the Lord." This scripture underscores the omnipresence of God.

• Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." This passage highlights the inescapable presence of God in all places.