Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Take Twelve Today promote silent, listening prayer?
In all healthy, vibrant relationships there is a balance between speaking and listening. Listening for God helps us know God’s plan and prayer for us.

Why do we need silence every day?
Silence helps us to slow down, take deep breaths and focus on what is really important. It gives our body, soul and mind a well-needed and well-deserved rest. Silence helps us attend to the small, still voice of God. In this rest, we begin to see and experience God more clearly in our lives and in the lives of others.

What is Christian or spiritual meditation?
Christian or spiritual meditation is a type of prayer where you learn to still your mind and focus all of your thoughts on Christ or God. One way to achieve this is by focusing on a sacred word or scripture that is meaningful to you during your quiet time. Spiritual meditation teaches you to let go of anything that distracts  you from focusing on God’s love and compassion.

 

 

What are the benefits of practicing spiritual meditation?
There are many physical benefits from practicing meditation (lower blood pressure, less stress, decreased anxiety, improved memory, etc.) but spiritual meditation has specific benefits including but not limited to interior peace and joy, less fear and anxiety, better listening skills, ability to let go of obsessive or negative thoughts and feelings, helps us become less judgmental and critical of oneself and others, the ability to forgive more easily and to let go of bitterness, resentments, and anger, teaches us to focus on what God is doing through us and not what we are doing for God, helps us find rest and a home in God.


What is the difference between Christian meditation and Eastern meditation?
The main difference between Christian meditation and Eastern meditation is that in Christian meditation the goal is not to necessarily “empty the mind,” but to fill the mind and heart with God. It is true to accomplish this filling of the heart and mind with God’s love, one must let go of one’s thoughts, feelings and sensations. So, there is a self-emptying to make room to receive this divine filling. This self-emptying consists of learning to let go and not attach to distracting thoughts, feelings and body sensations. Again the purpose of Christian meditation is to connect with God at a deeper level.
 

What is the difference between meditation and contemplation?
Meditation is a technique that is used to help still our mind and body so that we can receive all that God has for us. It is what we do for God. Contemplation is what we receive from God-it happens when our mind and body are still and resting in God. Contemplation is pure awareness of God without our interfering thoughts or even feelings and sensations. It is what God gives to you.  You may experience a sense of peace and rest because of this stillness.
 

Where is the MP3 download in my smart phone or tablet?
Smart Phones, iPads or tablets don’t have an accessible file structure like a computer or laptop and require an app to handle the downloads. For audio files you visit the app store for your phone and select an MP3 downloader. When downloading audio files you will have to visit the Take Twelve Today site within the download manager and press the link. For iTunes: An alternative approach would be to save the files to your PC or MAC and then import them into iTunes and Sync with your device. Right-click the file's link and "Save target as/Save link as..." and save it to your computer. Then, in iTunes, choose File > Add to Library, locate a file or folder, and click Open, this will import them. Then sync your device with your iTunes Library. For further assistance refer to the Help files in iTunes.
 

Why does TTT encourage social support? spiritual guidance?
WAIVER: Sitting in silence takes patience and courage; do not try this without a guide! The primary purpose of support and/or spiritual guidance is to help sustain the commitment to a regular meditation practice. In addition, support allows one to share personal experiences and the effect of the daily meditation practice in one’s life. Frequently as we deepen our relationship with God, it is important to have a spiritual director to help us as we embark on this journey. A spiritual director is someone who remains present through deep listening, evocative questions, support and who creates a safe environment where one can openly and prayerfully explore where God’s spirit is leading. To find a spiritual director near you visit www.sdiworld.org or ask your local priest, minister, pastor or rabbi.