Growing interest in Christian mindfulness practice is rooted in the rediscovery of ancient Christian practices. Christians have always practiced mindfulness. Yet, from the popular landscape of mindfulness movement, you’d never know that. Where is the Christian voice in this fast-growing movement? Many Christians practice mindfulness outside of church and believe it does not belong to our faith tradition. This book reveals the Christian roots of mindfulness and the actual practices that, when reclaimed, deepen the life of faith and the power of our mission of love in the world.  When we understand how radical it is to live in God’s presence right here, right now, our lives are transformed toward mercy, justice and abundant life.

Amy Oden shows how the practice of Christian mindfulness begins with the teachings of Jesus and continues throughout Christian history. It also includes step-by-step instructions for the practice of Christian mindfulness today. Pastors and leaders will find this book useful on the ground as they curate current culture and guide Christians in spiritual practices.

Endorsements

“Amy Oden knows the history of Christian spirituality as well as anyone, and she helps us see what might seem surprising to many—that mindfulness has deep roots in the Christian tradition. The wisdom she shares in this clear, winsome book has already deepened my own life of prayer. I know this book will bear fruit in classrooms and congregations as readers heed its call to stop and pay prayerful attention to what God is doing, right here, right now.”

—L. Roger Owens, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA

“Oden deftly lifts up a clear template for what lies at the core of all spiritual practice: mindfulness—a simple awareness within ordinary life of divine presence, here and now. Unlike many generic practices of mindfulness now popular in business, education, and the fitness industry, Oden underscores that Christian mindfulness is not an end in itself but an awareness that turns us toward God. Amy’s words become a litany of invitation into the posture of open-hearted presence to the Presence, right here, right now.” (from the foreword)
—Marjorie J. Thompson, author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, former Director of Pathways in Congregational Spirituality with Upper Room Ministries, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church (USA)

“Mindfulness is all the rage. Amy Oden’s book does a wonderful job of lifting up the Christian roots of mindfulness, teaching the practices, and describing the role and
value of mindfulness in our current world. She also encourages us to see that God is moving powerfully in the world through spiritual practice and that we as Christians
should not shrink from this movement but rather embrace it as the next step in our lineage of co-transforming the world with God.”
—Daniel Wolpert, Executive Director and Cofounder, Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH), Minneapolis, MN; author of Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices