Using Mediation in Professional Christian Counselling without becoming a Buddhist

In this session we will consider some of the historical meditation and mindfulness
practices of the early church. Drawing on Jewish traditions we will discover
meditating on God’s word (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2) and God’s work (Psalm 143:5)
pre-dates Eastern meditation and is made complete in our meditation on Jesus as
Word made flesh.

We will consider the monastic practice of Lectio Divina instituted by St. Gregory of
Nyssa and its re-formation by Luther in the 16 th century toward practical use in the
church today. Katherine Thompson’s Christ Centred Mindfulness will be especially
helpful as we explore the contemporary therapeutic emergence of mindfulness
practices in therapy especially with the advent of the App.

At the end of the course participants will have a conceptual model that can be applied to any
spiritual intervention but especially meditation. Participants will be equipped with at least
three practical ways they can immediately incorporate mediation and mindfulness that is in
keeping with the ancient practices of the Christian church and avoids the pitfalls of Eastern
meditation.