Mindful meditation is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. But is that idea biblical?
Talking Points:
- “Mindfulness”, or self-awareness, is a good thing. But the practice of “mindfulness meditation” is a New Age technique rooted in Buddhism. 1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
- For Christians, prayer is the solution to anxiety and emotional stress. Even Jesus depended on prayer for his mental health. Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 5:16, Matthew 26:38-39
- Christian prayer is fundamentally different from mindfulness meditation. It’s about turning for strength to God, not to self. Hebrews 5:7, John 14:27
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you know people who meditate or do other New Age practices? Why do you think people are drawn to these ideas?
- Read 1 John 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. How should we test the “spirits” or ideas out there in the world? What are the dangers to believing in spirits that aren’t from God?
- Read Philippians 4:6-7. How should prayer look in our lives? How did Jesus use prayer in his earthly ministry?
- Read Matthew 26:38-39. Jesus felt anxiety and cried out to the Father. What are some of the anxieties you’re facing right now and how can you bring those things to God?
- Read John 14:27. Why is it important to distinguish between bringing things to God rather than to ourselves? What does God offer us that no one else can?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
