The History of Christian Meditation & Contemplation

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Clement of Rome: The Apostolic Father’s Life of Prayer and Divine Order

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction The Didache, translated as “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles,” is one of the earliest Christian books to have been written independent of the New Testament. Most biblical historians believe that it was created between the years 50 CE to 120 CE. The Didache’s author(s) is unknown, but many biblical historians believe that it […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction In the turbulent second century of Christianity, when the young Church faced heresies that threatened to change the Gospel into an irreconcilable form, God raised up for the Church a defender whose weapon was not simply his argument but his ability to form a contemplative vision. St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202 A.D.) is […]

Introduction Athenagoras of Athens (c. 133 – 190 AD) is one of the earliest apologists and philosophers, and a major figure in Christian history. He began his life by searching for ways to disprove Christianity, but through his contemplation on the Scriptures became a passionate, loving disciple of Jesus Christ. Athenagoras’ transformation from an unbeliever […]

Introduction St. Theophilus of Antioch (d. c. 185 AD) stands as one of the most intriguing figures among all the second-century Church Fathers. He served as the bishop and Apologist of Antioch, one of the first powerful cities of Christianity. He defended Christianity against the attacks of Paganism, but he also wrote many works developing […]

Introduction St. Melito of Sardis (c. 180 A.D.) is one of the most eloquent early Christian thinkers. Melito was a bishop who delivered homilies written in poetry and demonstrated a deep knowledge of theology, reflecting a person who lived and experienced God through total commitment to prayer, meditation, and mystical contemplation. Although there were many […]

Introduction St. Antony of Egypt (c. 251-356 AD), known today as “Antony the Great” and “the Father of Monks,” became one of the most influential individuals in the development of Christian Spirituality. It was his choice to retreat into the Egyptian desert to pursue God through a life of solitude that began the movement that […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction Origen of Alexandria, a brilliant and controversial figure from early Christian history (c. 184-253 AD), is perhaps the first truly systematic theologian in the history of the church, and an extraordinarily profound contemplative. Origen’s astounding intellect is equaled only by his ascetic and moral practices and mystical experiences of devotion and charity towards God. […]

Introduction St. Dionysius of Alexandria (d. c. 264 AD), known as “Dionysius the Great,” stands as one of the most significant yet underappreciated figures of the third-century church. He is known as a great teacher of the early church due to his strong prayers during times of persecution and his pastoral care for the faithful. […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (c. 213-270 AD), whose surname means “wonder-worker,”  stands as one of early Christianity’s most extraordinary mystics—a saint whose contemplative life produced miracles, whose prayers moved mountains, and whose mystical encounters shaped theological understanding for centuries. Born as Theodore in Neocaesarea of Pontus, his transformation into Gregory the Wonder-Worker reveals a soul […]

Introduction St. Methodius of Olympus (d. c. 311 AD) stands as a profound theologian and martyr of the early church, known for his deep insights into the mysteries of virginity and the resurrection. His writings express a passionate longing for the pure love between God and the soul, celebrating both the beauty of the risen […]

Introduction St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313-386 AD), bishop and Doctor of the Church, was considered one of the greatest pastoral mystics and teachers of early Christianity. Living in the very location of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, he developed a spirituality through an “in incarnate” understanding of the sacramental mysteries, holy locations and concrete realities […]

Introduction In the fourth century, Christianity flourished in both the Greek-speaking West and the Syriac-speaking East of Europe. During this time of great spiritual progress, God raised up the voice of St. Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306-373 AD), one of the greatest poets and hymn-writers of the Church. The songs that he composed would be […]

Introduction Saint John Chrysostom (c. 347-407 AD), Archbishop of Constantinople and one of Christianity’s greatest preachers, earned his title “Chrysostom” (Greek for “golden-mouthed” ) through eloquent sermons that moved hearts and transformed lives. Saint John’s many great public accomplishments were, however, built on top of many years of practicing contemplative prayer, studying the Scriptures, and […]

Introduction The life of St. Nicholas of Myra shows us the kind of hidden prayer that is behind so much of his giving as a bishop who has inspired people to celebrate the giving spirit of Christmas for hundreds of years. St. Nicholas lived a life marked by a great deal of charity, and that […]

Introduction The Roman soldier who would become one of Christianity’s most beloved martyrs lived a life where prayer and action were inseparable. St. George of Lydda (died c. 303 AD) exemplified the biblical truth that “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26), while his works flowed directly from a heart anchored in prayer. Though […]

Introduction A giant who endeavored to serve the greatest king in the world found through prayer that the “greatest king” is Jesus, who teaches us that true greatness is in childlike faith. St. Christopher (died c. 251 AD, though dates vary in tradition) represents the transformation described by Jesus in Matthew 18:3: His transformation from […]

Introduction Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390 AD) represents the most poetic and contemplative spirit of the Cappadocian Fathers who had a dramatic impact on a theological landscape during the 4th century in Christian history. He is often referred to with the title “the Theologian.” Only three other saints (John the Apostle, Gregory, and Symeon the New […]

Introduction Among the Cappadocian Fathers who profoundly shaped Christian theology during the fourth century, was a mystical philosopher named St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-395 AD). He was known to be the most philosophically sophisticated of all the Cappadocian Fathers and was daring in how he would explore the infinity of the soul’s journey into […]

Introduction St. Macarius the Great (c. 300–391 A.D.) is considered to be a major figure of early Christian mysticism, though also one of its most obscure. Macarius was known as a Desert Father, who spent more than 60 years living in the wilderness of Scetis and developed a profound inner spirituality that placed the heart […]

Introduction Evagrius Ponticus (345-399 AD), has been called the “Father of Christian Mysticism,” and is one of the most important figures in the history of Christian thought. He was a gifted teacher and scholar and wrote many works about prayer and asceticism. His writings helped to develop what later became the monastic tradition within Christianity. […]

Introduction St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444 AD), Patriarch and Doctor of the Church, was a great scholar of Christianity and also a staunch defender of the union of the divine and human natures of Christ. His reputation is mainly due to his fierce opposition to Nestorian heresy and his involvement in the ecumenical council […]

Introduction The fifth century was a time of significant turbulence in Christianity. The Church was being torn asunder by widespread controversies over basic issues over who Jesus was, His relationship with God, and how He should be worshipped. Many people were fleeing into the desert to escape persecution over these issues. During this time, God […]

Introduction Saint Diadochos of Photiki (c. 400-486 AD), a bishop in Epirus (northwestern Greece) is considered one of the early church’s leading mystics. Although less well-known than his contemporaries, Augustine or Jerome, Diadochos produced an important work titled One Hundred Chapters on Spiritual Knowledge and Discrimination, which serves as a map for the journey of […]

Introduction St. Nilus (d. c. 430 AD) was a scholar in the school of St. John Chrysostom, who left a comfortable life as a wealthy Roman bureaucrat to live in complete solitude as an ascetic. After moving to a desert region to be closer to God, he founded a monastery near the town of Ancyra […]

Introduction The author of The Mystic and Mystical Theology of Dionysius the Areopagite is an unknown figure in Christian history. Although he lived sometime around 500 AD and claimed to be the same Dionysius of Acts 17:34 who was converted by Paul in Athens, his true identity is a mystery. The fact that this person […]

Introduction During the 4th and 5th centuries in Egypt’s extremely harsh desert where many thousand people fled from the noise of civilization to search for God through silence, sand, and solitude, there lived a monk who would have an enormous influence over all the years of Christian monasticism. His name was Abba Isaiah of Scetis […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction St. Caesarius of Arles (c. 470-543 AD), an influential pastor and monastic reformer during the early medieval period, demonstrated a down-to-earth spirituality, practical wisdom, and tireless preaching that shaped the life of Christians as they transitioned from Roman Gaul to Frankish Gaul. While he may not be as well known as other Church Fathers, […]

Introduction Saint Gregory the Great (also known as Pope Gregory I) (c. 540-604 AD) had numerous qualities through which he served the world. He served in many different ways, including as Pope, a monastic reformer, author, and spiritual teacher, all the while being a “Doctor” of the Church, a title that is given to the […]

Introduction In the rugged terrain of the sixth-century Irish and Scottish coastline of the Western Isles, where the wind swept across the wild, rolling sea, there lived a monk whose prayer life would become the very light of his age and time: St. Columba (521-597 AD), otherwise known as Colm Cille— “Dove of the Church” […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction Saint Isaac the Syrian (also called Isaac of Nineveh, c. 613-700 AD) is one of the most distinguished mystics of Christianity and one of the most significant spiritual theologians. He lived a life largely undiscovered by historians, but his writings continue to guide contemplatives all over the world today. His deep and radical view […]

Introduction John Climacus (c. 579-649 AD), whose name means “John of the Ladder”, lived on the very mountain where Moses met God in the burning bush and received the Law and was one of the earliest monastics to take up the steep road of mystical prayer with Jesus. John spent his life learning and teaching […]

Introduction St. Sophronius of Jerusalem (c. 560-638 AD), also known as the Poet-Patriarch and Sophronius the Sophist, is one of the most significant figures of the seventh century. He was born in Damascus, one of the great centers of Byzantine spirituality and culture, and grew up in a wealthy and educated family who provided him […]

Introduction A monk, apologist, and Abbot of Saint Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, Anastasius of Sinai (c. 630-after 700 AD) lived during a time of great upheaval in regards to the theology of Christ. His contemplative approach combines profound mystical experience with practical pastoral wisdom—making him one of the most versatile spiritual teachers of early […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction St. Germanus of Constantinople (c. 634-733 AD) was a bishop of Constantinople during the Golden Age of Byzantine Christianity, when Constantinople was the center of Christendom and the Church’s liturgy was closely linked to his daily prayer life, changing the way Christians will continue to worship for centuries to come. St. Germanus was a […]

Introduction St. Andrew of Crete (c. 650-740 AD), one of the most celebrated liturgical poets and theologians in Christian history, stands as a towering figure bridging the late patristic period and the Byzantine Middle Ages. He was born around 650 AD in Damascus, Syria, shortly after the Muslims conquered that territory. Andrew was educated in […]

Introduction St. Bede the Venerable, who lived from about 673-735 AD, was a monk and was a significant scholar who was known for his intellect. He was one of the great scholars of early medieval Christianity, and an important contemplative and learned man who dedicated his entire life to liturgical prayer. His commentaries and writings […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

Introduction St. Francis of Assisi (1181/1182-1226) became an icon for many Christians and continues to be regarded today as one of the greatest saints. This example highlights how Saint Francis’ life is a complete surrender to God through prayer, meditation, comment, and an unconditional obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ . Even though Francis […]

Introduction St. Dominic (1170-1221), founder of the Order of Preachers, is traditionally viewed as a traveling preacher, a fighter against heresy, and an organizer of a worldwide religious order. But beneath these accomplishments lies a foundation that made it possible for him to accomplish all of them—a life of intense prayer, deep contemplation, and a […]

Introduction St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) represents an enormous beacon in Catholic spirituality and her life illustrates what suffering through poverty, contemplation and living in God’s spirit means to women today and continues to inspire women nearly 800 hundred years after her death. As well as being the first female author of a Monastic Rule, […]

Introduction St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), also known as “Doctor of Evangelization,” was one of Catholicism’s most venerated saints. Saint Anthony was famous throughout the world as a helper in finding lost things and is recognized as a patron saint of the poor. Aside from being known for these two great works, Saint Anthony was […]

Introduction In an era when women were largely excluded from public theological discourse, an uneducated laywoman from Siena became one of the most influential mystics and theologians in Christian history. St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) never learned to read until adulthood and never attended formal schools, yet she was declared a Doctor of the Church […]

Introduction Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431), a nineteen-year-old peasant girl who eventually became the leader of the French army, exemplifies the power of Christ’s message of inspiration towards the lives of millions of adherents to Christianity throughout the world with her martyrdom and her valor in defending the people of France. She shows us that […]

Introduction St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) is one of the most influential mystics and spiritual teachers in Christianity. She was a Spanish nun of the Order of Carmelites, a reformer, and Doctor of the Church. St. Teresa has helped many souls by sharing her insights into prayer and the process of spiritual ascent. Her writings […]

Introduction St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), was transformed from a vain warrior seeking worldly glory to one of the most important spiritual teachers in Christianity. His profound prayer life and extraordinary experiences of God brought about a new way of thinking about God and spirituality within Christianity, […]

Introduction Although many flowers have bloomed in the expansive garden of Christian mysticism, few have had such fragile beauty and yet intense aroma like St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897). A young French Carmelite nun who died from tuberculosis at age 24, and who never left the convent nor performed public miracles, became one of the […]

St. Peter stands as one of the most significant figures in Christian history—the apostle whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).