One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic's Guide to Christian Meditation

By J. Dana Trent

In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation reframes meditation for those who are skeptical because (1) they doubt their ability to be still and quiet and (2) they doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice. Using scripture, theology, and examples from the early church, this book challenges the prayer habits of Christians that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.

Using five approaches—breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation—One Breath at a Time provides a practical, 40-day guide to beginning and sustaining a Christian meditation practice in an often chaotic world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Upper Room Books
• Release date: Jan 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780835818575

J. Dana Trent

J. Dana Trent is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and an adjunct faculty member at Wake Tech Community College, where she teaches World Religions. Dana is a speaker, workshop leader, and grant writer. Her work has appeared on Time.com, The Christian Century, and Sojourners. She is the award-winning author of *For Sabbath’s Sake: Embracing Your Need for Rest, Worship, and Community** (Upper Room Books, 2017) and *Saffron Cross: The Unlikely Story of How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk** (Fresh Air Books, 2013). She, her husband, Fred, and Truffy the Cat live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Book preview

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