Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther – Dr. Rick Marrs

Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived explores the ways in which theology permeates all aspects of life. Through conversations with the faculty of Concordia Seminary, we will challenge you to deepen your theology and live out your faith in Christ. Jessica Bordeleau talks with a variety of guests on a variety of topics. There is something different in every episode, but all point to the intersection of faith and daily life. It’s tangible: theology learned and lived.

Widespread anxiety and high stress levels among Americans has led many mental health professionals to recommend mindfulness exercises. How should Christians respond? In this episode, Dr. Rick Marrs, an LCMS pastor, seminary professor, and clinical psychologist shares his experience and research about the use of Christian meditation. We discuss how it is used in Scripture, how Martin Luther viewed it, and how we can benefit from it today.

This episode mentions Dr. Marr’s book, Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered, published by WestBow Press, 2019 as well as Jessica Bordeleau’s devotion book, Just Breathe: Devotions for Overwhelmed Youth, published by Christ To All Publishing.

As a special feature of this episode, we recorded a Scripture-based meditation exercise read by Dr. Rick Marrs. He modified it from William Hulme’s book, Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation, published by Abingdon, 1979. Follow the link for the English version. Spanish and Portuguese versions are coming soon.

You can find more episodes of Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived on CSL Scholar and across all major podcast platforms. Check it out!