Lesson 1-24 "Prayer and Meditation"

What a misleading title, I have to say. For a moment I thought there would be interesting links between the Christian/Mormon practice of prayer and the Eastern practice of meditation. Alas. The Mormon meaning of meditation apparently is nothing more than "thinking about stuff," i.e. "pondering" - David O. McKay's 1969 definition is "deep, continued reflection on some religious theme," or in Boyd K. Packer's quote, a synonym for analysis.

How much we miss by only going that far with the concept of meditation! More on that in a moment.

Meantime, there are some great new materials available about prayer, and then there are some things I would choose not to include from this lesson. I like the RSVP "invitation" idea. But honestly I think it's time to drop the "approved" list, which only a Pharisee could love, of proper words and terms for prayer - I think people absorb this from Mormon culture plenty, and that it's off-putting for young people to scold them for saying "you" in prayer. Anyway, isn't it only in English that we insist on using completely archaic, stilted and formal terms of address, when in other languages (Latinate ones, anyway) the prayer form of address is the more intimate one?

I'd also drop the awful poem mocking various Protestant clergy for the way they pray (circa 1941). Just not necessary, people. What's the point of having that in this lesson?

I think on short reflection most of us will remember the thoughtful and creative approach that Elder Bednar took in his Conference talk about prayer in October 2008. The way he described it, as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings, we participate in the work of creation - creating the day spiritually before we create it physically. I loved that idea. He also gave the memorable example of a prayer that only expressed gratitude, even in sudden, severe trial. And he advised to ask in prayer fewer things for ourselves and more on behalf of others. This was actually a Part 2 talk, continuing his earlier talk about praying in faith from the April 08 conference.

Other terrific recent talks about prayer:

Russell M. Nelson, on what we can learn by patterning our prayers on Christ's prayers (April 2009 Conference)

President Monson, on prayer as an invitation to us (March 09 Ensign FP message)

President Uchtdorf's FP message in this month's Ensign, about how prayer provides "lift" above the clouds of life

Now, about meditation. I recently read a fascinating article from Sunstone titled "Mormon Mantras" (scroll down, #20) that shared one member's journey in making meditation a part of his spiritual practice, and adopting a mantra in harmony with Mormon doctrine and religious experience. Meditation, in the Eastern sense of the word, is about controlling the self and the thoughts, to access inner peace and calm and to point towards enlightenment. In that sense it's not simply a form of prayer or an appendage to it, but a separate, and extremely beneficial, spiritual practice which (IMO) can bless anyone's life. As one blog puts it, "Meditation can be a practical tool for relaxation, concentration and better health; it can also be an invaluable tool to self discovery." It's great for coping with stress.

The goal of meditation is to free the mind of thoughts, to quiet the mind, to still all those frenetic chirping thoughts hopping around in your mind, to make the surface of your mind like a reflective pond with no ripples in it. It involves quiet sitting (lotus position not necessary, but at least straighten your spine), and conscious and intentional breathing. As thoughts come, you recognize them for what they are, but you don't allow them to take over. As you get better at meditating, your ability to keep your mind "clear and lucid" improves for 10, 15 minutes or more. Over time, meditation offers multiple benefits to body, mind, and spirit. It can be a deeply meaningful part of Mormon spirituality.

I could envision introducing this idea to my Laurels, even doing a short guided relaxation in our partially darkened classroom - there are tons online, just google "guided meditation" - here's one example. This is what I miss most about no longer belonging to a gym and having a "mindfulness moment" at the end of a yoga class. If this seems too weird for a Sunday, it would make a great weekly activity on its own or as a warmup/cooldown to an activity - introduce the idea, talk about meditation's benefits and try a short session (allow about 5 minutes at the beginning for the self-conscious giggles to die down).

(Image courtesy of SaidaOnline)