Meditation and contemplation

Why Meditate?

Meditation and contemplation help you to relax and to reflect. You see people and situations more clearly. You experience a greater self-confidence in handling your problems.

You can more easily handle problems related to your relationships, family, business, school or job.Stress and anxiety is reduced, creating an inner calm.

Meditation helps you to be aware of the presence of Jesus in your life.

If you take the time to be still you will be led to an inner place, a place within us where God has chosen to dwell. Here we are held safe in the all-loving one, who calls us by name.
( Henri Nouwen)

Meditation is a prayer

Some people find it helpful to use the Bible or other source to awaken these thoughts and feelings.

Don't worry about what to say. Let God direct your thoughts.

Your focus is now on being in God’s presence and trusting Him to guide you.

The Holy Spirit will lead you to see things more clearly and find the solutions you seek.

End with words of praise, love and thanks.

The healing power of meditation

George has been an alcoholic for many years. As a young boy, George was often beaten by his father. George's dream was to return to the small town of his birth and “dance on his father's grave.”

Meditation and contemplation on the sufferings of Jesus as He carried His Cross—out of love for him—could give George the strength to forgive his father.

George could let go of his hurt and be at peace with himself.

What meditation can do for you

To accept your own sufferings and disappointments...
Meditation and contemplation on the life of Jesus, especially on His sufferings and death on the Cross, will strengthen you in your sufferings and setbacks.

To forgive those who have hurt you...
Meditate on the many times Jesus has forgiven you. His example makes it easier for you to forgive others.

To forgive yourself...
Meditate on the many times Jesus has forgiven you. Knowing Jesus has forgiven you will make it easier to forgive your own self.

To be kind to others...
Meditate on the times Jesus helped you and on His commandment to love others. This will move you to help people having a difficult time.

To grow as a person...
Use meditation and contemplation to examine your life. Is it pleasing to Jesus or are changes needed? Make any needed changes and you will grow as a person and as a follower of Jesus.

To increase your love for Jesus...
Meditate on how Jesus never gave up on you, even when you rejected Him. This will deepen your love for Jesus and your willingness to help others."

To find help with your problems...
Meditate on the blind beggar who ran after Jesus for help. Reflect on the blind man’s faith and on his determination. This will give you confidence to go to Jesus for help.

To increase your trust in God...
Meditate on different sections of the Our Father Prayer, especially on the word “Father.”This will help you have a deeper understanding of God’s fatherly love.

To discover who you could be...
Meditate on the life of a saint, especially on their faith and love for Jesus. “We are all called to be saints” (John Paul II).

Meditation using the “Our Father”

More sources for meditation

The life of a saint, such as Mother Theresa, is another source for insights useful in our meditations.

How to meditate in silence

Stand, sit or kneel or any combination—it doesn’t matter.

Start by asking the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.

Select a short passage from the Bible or other source that speaks to your spiritual need. Read a scene and determine what the scene tells you.

Read the passage silently. Read it again and mentally reflect on the words.

Ask yourself questions. Try to determine what changes are needed in your life. How will you make them? When should you start?

Ask God to help you answer these questions. Often there is no immediate answer. Be patient. He will not fail to get back to you.

End with words of love, praise and thanks for God’s love and mercy.

Keep your thoughts and decisions in a journal for future review.

At times it may be hard to meditate. Your mind wanders and is easily distracted. But don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from meeting with your God.

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