In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. (Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion annually on yoga instruction.) But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer? One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation reframes meditation for those who are skeptical because (1) they doubt their ability to be still and quiet and (2) they doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice. Using scripture, theology, and examples from the early church, this book challenges Christians’ prayer habits that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.

Using five approaches–breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation–One Breath at a Time provides a practical, 40-day guide to beginning and sustaining a Christian meditation practice in an often chaotic world.