Mindfulness in Christianity has become a buzz within today’s modern Christianity. Research shows that the variety of people practising mindfulness today has grown considerably.
Religious or otherwise, many individuals intend to declutter their minds and step back from life’s hectic modern life. We want to experience tranquillity, convenience, and a feeling of security in these chaotic times. Yet this form of mindfulness is nothing new. We can see it in several cultural customs and every significant religious belief.
The art of mindfulness is global, which is no surprise. As believers, we acknowledge that such healthy and balanced techniques are inherent in our design. Christianity likewise has a lengthy history of mindfulness and reflection as a form of developing a deep and individual affection for our Lord. In contrast to what some could believe, mindfulness is compatible with our beliefs.
Quick Pick: Mindful Prayer Workbook PDF
“Be still, and understand that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Over the centuries, Christians have explored practices encouraging a quiet, listening stance before God — a perspective often referred to as ‘meditation’ or ‘contemplation.’
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is living in the present with intention and focus. We focus our minds on where we are now, what we feel, and our actions. This helps bring clarity, understanding and reflection to our lives. Mindfulness brings excellent benefits such as emotional and mental development and relief from stress, anxiety and depression.
Where does it come from?
Although Christian circles regard mindful practice with some suspicion, mindfulness is usually attributed in popular culture to Eastern Buddhist, Hindu and New Age meditation practices. And yes, these religions do have methods based on mindfulness. However, they are not the only ones. We can look to Christian monks in history who have regularly practised a mindful devotion to God in prayer.
The Background of Mindfulness in Christianity
The church has used reflective Christianity and mindfulness since the very early days. Early church leaders and followers dedicated themselves to lives of solitude and devotion, with Jesus being central to all aspects of their lives. Their teachings and practices still affect us today.
Many churches are responding to the rising popularity of mindfulness in the nonreligious population by acknowledging the benefits of Christian spirituality. Famous Christian leaders like John Mark Comer have talked at length concerning Mindfulness and Christianity.
Mindful practice fits perfectly into how God means us to live: a sustainable, Christ-centered life characterised by peace, stillness and awareness.
Should Christians Exercise Mindfulness?
The society we live in encourages us to develop egotistical behaviours. However, this is in opposition to the word and teachings of Christ. Instead, we should be turning away from our ego and following Jesus as our example.
Mindfulness and Christianity urge us to set aside the egotistical traps of modern-day life and to be “changed by the restoring of your mind” (Romans 12:2). It motivates us to turn our thoughts, to concentrate on God firstly and ourselves second.
The Benefits of Mindfulness in Christianity
Mindfulness has many advantages in boosting our spiritual life and mental health. God respects our psychological wellness and has offered us tools to assist us in caring for ourselves.
In general, mindfulness can make you less anxious, stressed or depressed. It can also lead to better focus and concentration on your work, family and social life. It has been shown in research studies that mindful practice positively influences the brain and can alleviate mental health diseases. These are all excellent benefits.
For Christians, mindfulness goes a step further. It involves being still, listening to God’s word, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. We come to be changed into His likeness with regular mindful contemplation and concentration on God.
4 Christian Mindfulness Exercises
Not sure how to start a mindful practice with Christ? Here are some ideas for Christian mindfulness exercises you can start with:
- Christian Mindfulness Meditation Bible Break – take a short time daily of 5 to 10 minutes to read a Bible passage and reflect and contemplate. Use a meditation journal to make strong connections to your practice.
- Gratitude Prayer – take time to reflect on everything you are thankful for.
- Pray with intention and mindful breathing exercises.
- Appreciate God’s Creation. Take time to enjoy the earth god has given us, from nature to your family. Take a moment to reflect or, better yet, take action, and participate in community activities to help others or protect the environment.
Mindful Prayer Workbook
Catch a Sleep has created a Mindful Prayer Workbook for you to help start Christian Mindfulness Meditation. The workbook includes Mindful reflection prompts, a mindful Christian prayer and some biblical mindfulness verses to help inspire your practice. The workbook is available for a small fee to help support our content.
Mindful Prayer Workbook – Digital Download
This Mindful Prayer workbook (PDF) is here to help inspire and help you with your Mindful Christian Journey.
To help strengthen and connect with God and mindfully reflect on the word of God in the Bible.
This workbook includes the following:
– 1 page of Mindful Biblical Verses from the Bible
– 1 page Mindful Prayer
– 1 Mindful Reflections worksheet (x7 for every day)
You can pr…
5 Biblical Mindfulness Verses
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
Psalm 143:5 NIV
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalm 119:15-16 ESV
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:16 NIV
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Final Thoughts
As we can see, mindfulness is a powerful tool to connect to God, live our lives in the way Jesus Christ intended and a great way to reflect on the biblical word. Take some time today to sit in the present and mindfully reflect on your relationship with God or reflect on the bible. You can be inspired by some of our Christian Mindfulness Exercises above or try our Mindful Prayer workbook.
