2026.08.30 | Leaning into Stillness
“Leaning into Stillness”
Psalm 19:1-4;14, Romans 12:2
Preached by
Rev. Ashley Wai'olu Moore
Eden United Church of Christ
Cherryland, CA
August 30, 2026
Good morning beloved!
Over the last month, we have been exploring the idea of sacred rest and considering some of the spiritual practices that people routinely engage in. Today, I would like to talk a little bit about the ancient practice of meditation. And then I will invite you to join me as I lead us through a guided meditation.
Meditation is a spiritual practice that has been around for a very long time. The earliest evidence of the practice dates back to 5000 BC in India. But meditation practices can be found across many cultures around the world throughout history. In its simplest form, meditation is a process of intentional stillness, in which one tries to quiet the mind and bring one’s focus completely to the present moment. Often, it is combined with a repeated word, phrase or prayer (known as a “Mantra”) that the practitioner focuses on endeavoring to go deeper into greater understanding. Have any of you meditated before? Please, raise your hand if you have?
There are far too many types of meditation practices for us to consider today and far too little time. In the Christian tradition, meditation goes back to the beginning of “The Way.” Throughout the gospels, Jesus is often described withdrawing to mountains and lonely places to pray for hours on end. Many disciples have pointed out the ways in which Jesus also taught his disciples to sit quietly and pray, setting aside all anxiety and worry to seek out and trust in God’s wisdom. In the centuries following Jesus‘s crucifixion, the Desert Mothers and Desert Fathers engaged in mystical contemplation, endeavoring to pray without ceasing. This practice inspired many and would eventually lead to the founding of monasteries and nunneries where the faithful sought to commit their lives to such prayer and to communing with God.
Meditation is a powerful practice that can change lives. There are many communities around the world that actively practice meditation today. One of these is Taizé.
Recently, Neuroscience has begun to reveal that Meditation shows a multitude of benefits for both body and mind. It has been shown to reduce stress and stress-related conditions, while also improving memory, attention span, and emotional well-being. Studies indicate it can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and sleep problems.
My own meditation practice grew out of reading a book titled Anatomy of the Spirit by author Dr. Carolyn Myss. Myss explores the implications for spiritual healing at the intersections of the Christian Sacraments, the Kabbalah's Tree of Life and the Chakras of Eastern traditions. She outlined a Kundalini meditation in that book that became the basis of my own practice based on my own Christian faith. It has grown and changed over time, incorporating different elements such as deep breathing, gratitude practice and prayer. It has been important in my life and transformed my life. I would like to share it with you today.
(Guided meditation.)