Guided
Meditations for Jr. High: Good Judgment, Gifts, Obediance, and Inner Blindness.
Part of the series "A Quiet Place Apart"
Written by Jane Ayer.
Published by Saint Mary's Press, Winona, 1997.
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What is the aim, purpose, or goal of this particular study?
The aim of this resource is to guide youth in opening themselves to the Holy Spirit, through the use of guided meditations, so that the Spirit can help them communicate with and deepen relationship with God. (Note: this resource is part of a series that includes other guided meditation resources for youth and adults) - How does this resource define spirituality?
What terms does this resource prefer to use?
The resource does not explicitly use the word “spirituality,” but the implied concept is “relationship with God,” which is fostered through our imagination. - Do you see any particular theological perspective or
agenda within this material? If so, what is it?
The publisher is Roman Catholic, but the resource is not heavily colored by Catholic theology, so it could be used by persons from a variety of denominations. Probably the most important theological issue for a teacher will be how he/she feels about the treatment of Biblical stories in the meditations. - Which spiritual disciplines, if any, are included in
the resource? (such as fasting, meditation, lectio divina)
The resource is entirely devoted to one practice: guided mediation as a form of prayer. Secondarily, reading of scripture, reflection/discussion, oral prayer, and prayer through arts are involved. - For whom is this resource intended? (age
group, interests, etc.) In what settings? (classroom, home,
etc.)
The title specifies Junior High youth (perhaps grades 7-8), but the meditations could easily be used with Senior High youth. It could be used in a Sunday School setting of about 60 minutes, if the classroom space was set up appropriately. It could also be used in a youth fellowship time or with a small Bible study group. Each session could be done in 60-90 minutes (including 20 minutes for the recorded guided meditation). The length of time for each meditation, the ability to place oneself within a story, and the ability to reflect are all required, so the resource really would not be good for elementary aged children. Some adults might find the resource helpful as well! - What is included when you purchase this resource?
(books, teaching aids, etc.) What is the cost of this resource?
When you purchase this resource, you get two things: a CD or audiocassette with the meditations recorded over a music background (4 meditations in all – each approximately 20 minutes long) and a Teacher/Leader Guide book that has session plans for each of the 4 meditations. The teacher needs to supply a CD player or a cassette tape player, Bibles, art materials, and additional music. The Leader’s guide costs $9.95; the CD costs $14.95 or the audiocassette costs $8.95. - Is the Bible used as a resource in any of the
sessions? How is it referred to?
Each guided meditation is based on one or two specific Biblical stories, which have been selected to embody a theme of the Christian life (good judgment, gifts, obedience, inner blindness). The selected texts are read from the Bible, without interpretation, commentary, or study. Then, the participants are guided through the meditation, which takes creative, imagistic license with the Biblical story, in order to raise questions for the participants about their own lives. This theological stance, which encourages imaginative engagement with interpretations of a story, is important. - What type of learning activities are included in the
lessons? For instance, is there group work as well as individual
reflection time?
First of all, prior to beginning any activities, each session begins with the creation of an appropriate atmosphere for imaginative prayer: a comfortable setting, with soft music playing, no outside noise, and a visual “centerpiece” for focus. There is a focal theme for each session and meditation (good judgment, gifts, obedience, and inner blindness). The session begins with prayer, followed by reading of the Biblical texts, then the guided meditation itself (on the CD). After the guided meditation, there are personal reflection and discussion questions to engage the participants’ experience and interpretations. Then there are optional interpretive art experiences in which the youth can express themselves. Each session ends with prayer. - Is
there a teacher for the study? What does the teacher need to know/do
prior to each lesson?
The teacher is important, but does not need special training since the resource provides a lot of help. The teacher should do the guided meditation herself, prior to using it with youth, look through the reflection questions and the art experiences, and decide exactly which questions and art activities will be best for the group. Then, the teacher needs to set of the classroom or meeting space to create the atmosphere, and have the needed equipment and supplies on hand. Then, it is simply a matter of following the lesson plan steps. - What
is your overall evaluation of the resource? (strengths and weakness,
etc.)
A lot depends on how the teacher/leader feels about guided meditations that use Biblical stories as the core but develop the learner’s experience of the stories in an imaginative way that goes beyond the text. If you are comfortable with that, this could be an excellent short-term experience for a youth group or class, different from what they usually do. It encourages the youth to slow down, to meditate, to reflect and to express themselves in response to scripture. If you want to use this resource, the CD version is much easier to cue and use than the audiocassette version of the meditations.