Tips on Catholic Meditation?

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I feel the Lord is calling me to start regular, daily meditation (I’ve heard it referenced more and more in conversation, Catholic videos on YouTube, etc., so I’m trying to “take the hint.” 😉 )

I already pray the Rosary daily, which is a start, but the meditation I’m talking about is more akin to what St. Francis de Sales outlined in “Introduction to the Devout Life.” Basically 15 minutes a day delving mentally into some aspect of God, scripture, a mystery, etc. Trouble is, it’s easier said than done. Of course, his outline is extremely regimented and seems too advanced for someone like me (maybe once I get better at meditation, I’ll give it a whirl).

Does anyone meditate in this fashion? Do you have any tips for a beginner like me? I suppose the old Nike saying applies here…“Just do it!” I think I’m just intimidated by the size of such an exercise, the fickleness of my faculties (to become distracted), etc. Any guidance on the matter would be much appreciated.

God bless!
 
Lectio Divina. More or less, meditating on a passage from Scripture. There are tons of How to’s online.
 
Remember that Catholic meditation isn’t like what you may know from Asian traditions. It’s not about emptying yourself but rather filling yourself with Christ.
 
catholic_gal said:
I feel the Lord is calling me to start regular, daily meditation (I’ve heard it referenced more and more in conversation, Catholic videos on YouTube, etc., so I’m trying to “take the hint.” 😉 )

I already pray the Rosary daily, which is a start, but the meditation I’m talking about is more akin to what St. Francis de Sales outlined in “Introduction to the Devout Life.” Basically 15 minutes a day delving mentally into some aspect of God, scripture, a mystery, etc. Trouble is, it’s easier said than done. Of course, his outline is extremely regimented and seems too advanced for someone like me (maybe once I get better at meditation, I’ll give it a whirl).

Does anyone meditate in this fashion? Do you have any tips for a beginner like me? I suppose the old Nike saying applies here…“Just do it!” I think I’m just intimidated by the size of such an exercise, the fickleness of my faculties (to become distracted), etc. Any guidance on the matter would be much appreciated.

God bless!
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How about Journaling? Read a verse from a Psalm. You’d be surprised how quiet your mind becomes when you actually want to write something. Writers block, you know. Then when something come write it down. But you actually get some good meditation time just sitting there reflecting.

Then just sit in the quiet.
 
saellis said:
Remember that Catholic meditation isn’t like what you may know from Asian traditions. It’s not about emptying yourself but rather filling yourself with Christ.
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But you cant be filled unless you fist empty. That is why silence is so valued in monastic life.
 
When you are meditating on a certain scripture passage or a mystery of the rosary You might try setting down and writing a “Letter to God” and write how you are affected or influenced by the particular passage or mystery. Unlike journaling, you don’t need to keep the letter unless you want to, but you may wish to look at it from time to time and even reflect on what you have written, to sort of self-evaluate. A letter can be disposed of or kept in a note book. Everyone has their own way to meditate. This works for me. Peace and prayers. And would you also pray for me? I messed up my computer screen while installing a new printer. Trivial, I know, but important to me. MEB
 
Michael_Mayo said:
But you cant be filled unless you fist empty. That is why silence is so valued in monastic life.
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Good point, Michael. Just don’t fall into the trap of “emptiness” as the goal. Holy silence is such a gift. So much of what we hear drowns out the voice of God.
 
Bookcat said:
Yes silence is very important.

As to the being “empty” one must take great care with that for one must take it in the right way -see #19 (and 18 and 20 etc)

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19891015_meditazione-cristiana_en.html
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saellis said:
Good point, Michael. Just don’t fall into the trap of “emptiness” as the goal. Holy silence is such a gift. So much of what we hear drowns out the voice of God.
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I think most of us struggle for any small amount of inner silence or emptiness we can find.

Evidently though, there are others who seek a technique to reach a “mental void” or “a vague self-immersion in the abyss of the divinity”.

When I sit for my hour of adoration I always try to include at least 20 minutes of just listening, just aware. I think it is a good practice because the distracting thoughts that come tell us a lot about ourselves. After 10-15-20 minutes they begin to subside and if we are attentive there is a deep peace. I am convinced God speaks to us most powerfully in silence. I say that because when we read words or hear someone talk, we are seldom fully attentive and our minds immediately begin to try to interpret. In silence there is no need for interpretation. The mind can rest and we can become more aware of our spirit where God more powerfully communicates with us.

Tips on Catholic Meditation? Just sit or kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and listen.
 
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