Douglas Hadley

Unfortunately, I repeated this model with my own family. I prayed. My wife prayed. We prayed on special occasions. Sadly, I don’t remember teaching my children to pray. Of course, like my uncle, I too am a United Methodist pastor. I was expected to pray at large gatherings. Yet, I never considered myself a good “public prayer.” I still don’t. I do have devotions and pray every day. I understand prayer as my time to speak with God.

Growing up in the 60s there was hullabaloo when the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation, with its founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1968). This was a huge news event. Christians were up in arms claiming meditation was an Eastern practice from the devil. Yes, meditation is a practice from the East as is acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and others. All these come from the East. They have nothing to do with evil. Meditation is a valid practice that I am in the process of learning. When I take time to meditate, I am calmer, more confident, and more peaceful. I understand meditation as my time to get in touch with myself and listen to God.

I believe both prayer and meditation are beneficial. In many ways they are different, yet the same. I find practicing both helps connect me with myself and with God. If you are opposed to prayer or meditation, I suggest you try them before criticizing them. Spend thirty days praying. Spend thirty days meditating. See if either or both make a positive difference in your life.