Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God

In this thoughtful and accessible book, well-known spiritual counselor and speaker James Finley presents the fundamentals of both understanding and practicing Christian meditation today. His meditation practice and the contemplative life that flows from it were influenced by his studies with Thomas Merton at the Abbey of Gethsemani. Through meditation, says Finley, practitioners can learn to be more awake, compassionate, Christlike human beings. Christian Meditation introduces an ancient practice to a contemporary audience. James Finley, a well-known spiritual counselor and speaker, presents the fundamentals of both understanding and practicing Christian meditation. A former monk and student of Thomas Merton, Finley teaches readers to expand (or begin) their meditation practices in concert with their faith and guides them to discover that divine moments of awakened consciousness can lead to a deeper connection with Christ. He explains how meditation can enrich our daily lives by connecting us not only with the present moment, but also with the eternal now that is beyond time. Finley provides simple, helpful instructions on the practicalities so essential to true meditation -- focusing one's attention, sitting, breathing, orienting one's eyes, walking, and maintaining a compassionate, forgiving attitude. Above all, he makes clear that the aim of meditation is to allow us to experience divine contemplation, the presence of God. Book jacket.