In this heart-centered episode of Inner Peace, Better Health , Leah Chrest—author, preacher, Christian meditation teacher, and devoted mother—shares how grief, surrender, and faith reshaped her life. Leah opens up about her personal journey through trauma, her husband’s alcoholism, and his eventual passing, and how meditation helped her release control and anchor deeply in God’s presence. She explains how Christian meditation is about listening as much as praying, and how surrendering outcomes allows miracles to unfold. For anyone facing loss, overwhelm, or doubt, this conversation offers powerful insights on leaning into divine guidance and trusting that God’s plans always surpass our own. About the Guest: Leah Chrest is the author of It’s Okay to Be Okay , a book that explores grief as a transformative teacher. She integrates her experiences as a wife, mother, math teacher, and spiritual guide into her teachings on Christian meditation and surrender. Through her writing, speaking, and personal journey, Leah offers a profound message of hope, healing, and the peace that comes from letting go. Key Takeaways: Surrender is not weakness but a path to peace and alignment with God’s will. Christian meditation allows space to listen, not just speak, deepening the relationship with God. Grief can become a profound teacher when viewed as part of God’s greater plan. Letting go of control opens doors to unexpected miracles and personal growth. Even small acts of surrender, like releasing expectations, can foster deeper trust in divine timing. Connect with Leah Chrest: Visit her blog: In this heart-centered episode of Inner Peace, Better Health, Leah Chrest—author, preacher, Christian meditation teacher, and devoted mother—shares how grief, surrender, and faith reshaped her life.

In this guided Christian meditation for teens, breathe your way into your heart center, then allow the Christ light to grow within you, spreading to others whom you love. End with asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and give gratitude for his ever present love. In this guided Christian meditation for teens, breathe your way into your heart center, then allow the Christ light to…

Dr. Lincoln, shares a message titled "How to Teach Meditation and Deepen Your Practice: The Faith Factor." In this session tailored for her peers, Dr. Lincoln aims to inspire reflection on the profound impact of incorporating faith into meditation practices. She will explore the correlation between acknowledging and embracing one’s faith and the potential for enhanced health and wellness outcomes in clients.

How do we end up in darkness? It starts quite innocently, just a thought that decides it doesn’t want to love. It is a thought that separates us from the Mind of Christ to establish its own reality. An unforgiving heart is the path that goes nowhere. This is where we begin to build our own kingdom where we are the ruler. We know how these scenarios run…someone does something we don’t like; we then feel the negative feelings and thoughts and we retaliate. ChristianMeditationCenter.org How do we end up in darkness? It starts quite innocently, just a thought that decides it doesn’t want to…

A group of men, formerly incarcerated together at Folsom Prison, share their most personal insights practicing centering prayer while serving time. The film, also featuring men currently at Folsom, is an intimate testament to inner transformation. Prison Contemplative Fellowship (PCF) is an association of volunteers, prison chaplains, prisoners, and former prisoners, who practice Centering Prayer. We provide guidance and materials to individuals and groups who wish to do this prayer practice in prisons and jails, regardless of any denomination preference or religious orientation. When asked, we send books and pamphlets, in English and Spanish, free of charge to volunteers and prison chaplains to support their efforts to help prisoners maintain a contemplative prayer practice. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact us via email at office@uspcf.org . or visit our website at .

Feb. 21 segment of the weekly series "The Habit of Heartfulness" by Fr. Thomas Keating. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this week’s segment and resources on all segments to date. From Contemplative Outreach, a global community practicing Centering Prayer. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this…

June 6 segment of the weekly series "The Habit of Heartfulness" by Fr. Thomas Keating. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this week’s segment and resources on all segments to date. From Contemplative Outreach, a global community practicing Centering Prayer. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this…

Sept. 5 segment of the weekly series "The Habit of Heartfulness" by Fr. Thomas Keating. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this week’s segment and resources on all segments to date. From Contemplative Outreach, a global community practicing Centering Prayer. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this…

Sept. 26 segment of the weekly series "The Habit of Heartfulness" by Fr. Thomas Keating. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this week’s segment and resources on all segments to date. From Contemplative Outreach, a global community practicing Centering Prayer. Go to www.contemplativeoutreach.org for this…

It’s Okay to Be Okay: Grief as a Pathway to Blessing and New Life by Leah Chrest Uncover the new life that is possible after loss. The day after publishing At the Edge of the Jordan , Leah Chrest lost her husband and had to rely on her deep faith and the truth found in her own writing to pull her through. In this work, she tells the story of her own recovery from grief following her husband Brett’s passing.

Ever feel stuck in your relationships—whether with others, yourself, or even God? Today’s episode explores how Christian meditation can bring healing, freedom, and transformation to every corner of your heart. Check out this conversation with Teresa Yerkes and Marie Woods. Marie Woods contact information: info@lifeabove.org Ever feel stuck in your relationships—whether with others, yourself, or even God? Join the conversation on Relationship Podcast:

Rich Lewis Interviews Teresa Yerkes Rich Lewis is an author, podcaster and a Centering prayer teacher. He is working on another book on how Centering prayer can help us cope with the daily news of our lives. He hopes to have it available by the end of the year. Check out his website: www.silenceteaches.com Teresa Yerkes is the Founder of Christian Meditation Center. You can learn more about the work her Center does at Teresa and I discussed the following topics: What is the Christian Meditation Center? What is Christian Meditation? Teresa shares her journey to how the Christian Meditation Center came to be. Books Teresa has written. (see below) Books Teresa is currently writing and will be available in the Fall. 1. Unveiling the Divine Parallels: Exploring the Shared Lessons of Jesus in the Bible and A Course in Miracles by Vicki Simek and Teresa Yerkes 2. Julianna and Madeline’s Journey to God’s Peace and Love: A Christian Meditation Journey (children’s book) Vision for the Retreat Center Christian Meditation for Children Mentors that have shaped Teresa Practices that help to ground and focus Teresa has written three books if you want to check them out. God Within You: The Case for Christian Meditation, click here to purchase Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation, click here to purchase Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love, click here to purchase The Amazon links are affiliate links.

Brian Russell (Ph.D.) is an award winning professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. His personal mission is to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths about God so that he can share them compellingly, lovingly, and transformationally with others.

Paul Massari interviews Neuroscientist, Richard Davidson, PhD. If you’re one of the 32 percent of US adults who experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression last year, your doctor or mental health care provider may have recommended you learn meditation to help manage your stress. But how exactly does this age-old practice change the brain? Neuroscientist Richard Davidson , PhD ’76, the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, discusses his decades of research on meditation—enabled in part by a collaboration with the Dalai Lama—and dispels myths about how it works and when, where, and how it can be done.

Dr. Brian Russell engages in a compelling interview with Teresa Yerkes, the Founder of the Christian Meditation Center. During their discussion, Teresa provides valuable insights into the practice of Christian Meditation and its profound impact on one’s spiritual journey. With a strong Christian background since 1983, she has dedicated herself to Christian meditation since 2000, making her a seasoned practitioner with a wealth of experience to share. Teresa has been a Christian since 1983 and has practiced Christian meditation since 2000. She is the author of three books, Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation, God Within You: The Case for Christian Meditation, and Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love. She teaches and leads Christian meditation training and facilitates sessions. She is a public speaker, facilitates book clubs, and leads retreats. Teresa is a Certified Lay Speaker and Lay Counselor. She brings nearly forty years of her own personal discovery, along with highly specialized spiritual direction training provided by the Shalem Institute. How to contact Teresa: tyerkes@christianmeditationcenter.org Christian Meditation Center website: www.Christianmeditationcenter.org Teresa’s books: Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation God Within You: The Case for Christian Meditation Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love Books Recommended by Teresa: Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart ——Invitation to Love: The Way of Christian Contemplation Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle Schucman, A Course in Miracles, Brian’s Website: www.Brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) . Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Dr.

On November 3, 2023, Mark Allen of Cape May Radio 101.5 FM conducted an interview with Teresa Yerkes, the founder of the Christian Meditation Center, to explore the topic of Christian meditation. On November 3, 2023, Mark Allen of Cape May Radio 101.5 FM conducted an interview with Teresa Yerkes, the founder…

The Power of Praise | Sermon by Teresa Yerkes Speaker: Teresa Yerkes, founder of the Christian Meditation Center In a world filled with negativity and constant complaining, praise offers a powerful alternative. Praise reorients our hearts, restores our peace, and moves us back into the Spirit of God. In this message, The Power of Praise, Teresa explores: Why complaining steals our joy, peace, and mental health. The difference between honest prayer and destructive complaining. Paul & Silas in prison (Acts 16) and the freedom that comes through praise. Practical ways to reframe difficult situations with gratitude. Daily practices to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. How the “Complaint Free World Challenge” can help us shift from negativity to praise. Key Scriptures: Psalm 100:4; Philippians 2:14 –15; Acts 16:22 –26; 1 Thessalonians 5:16 –18 If this encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share so others can discover the power of praise. #ThePowerOfPraise #TeresaYerkes #ChristianMeditationCenter #PraiseGod #ChristianSermon #Gratitude #1UMCWilliamstown The Power of Praise | Sermon by Teresa Yerkes Speaker: Teresa Yerkes, founder of the Christian Meditation Center In a world filled with negativity and constant complaining, praise offers a powerful alternative. #ThePowerOfPraise #TeresaYerkes #ChristianMeditationCenter #PraiseGod #ChristianSermon #Gratitude #1UMCWilliamstown

A selection of key points for prayer and meditation from St Teresa of Avila’s teachings. Excerpts taken from numerous sources, including: "The Way of Perfection", "Collected Works" and "Interior Castle." St Teresa of Ávila (March 28, 1515 – October 4, 1582) was a prominent Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic. St Teresa had many mystical experiences she tried to reflect in poems. She took an active role in the Carmelite order and was later canonized a saint by the Roman Catholic church. Reading by: Samaneri Jayasara Heavenly Angel Music – Prayer Pray A selection of key points for prayer and meditation from St Teresa of Avila’s teachings.

Richard Foster tells us, “The Prayer of the Heart is the prayer of intimacy. It is the prayer of love and tenderness of a child to Father God. Like the mother hen, who gathers her chicks under her wings, we, through the prayer of the heart, allow God to gather us to himself-to hold us, to coddle us, to love us (Luke 13:34).” Richard Foster tells us, “The Prayer of the Heart is the prayer of intimacy. Like the mother hen, who gathers her chicks under her wings, we, through the prayer of the heart, allow God to gather us to himself-to hold us, to coddle us, to love us (Luke 13:34).”

In the Book of Mark in Chapter 9, we find Jesus explaining to His disciples the importance of prayer and fasting. Combining the two disciplines provides the power needed to break the strongholds in our lives. In the Book of Mark in Chapter 9, we find Jesus explaining to His disciples the importance of prayer and…

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? The unceasing prayer is a wonderful way of living always in God’s presence. Brother Lawrence shares simply, “There is no mode of life in the world more pleasing and more full of delight than continual conversation with God.” Although this might sound wonderful, it also sounds like it is too difficult to do. But we can be encouraged with such a cloud of witnesses who know this as their reality. St. Paul himself encourages us six times in the New Testament to pray without ceasing. The unceasing prayer is a wonderful way of living always in…

The chapter begins with a quote by P. T. Forsyth, “The true sacrament is holy personality.” I take that to mean whenever we witness God’s presence in our everyday experiences, we have encountered true sacrament. God who is Spirit, reveals Himself to us through the physical experience. A couple of examples would be He appeared to us through His Son who was born into this world and we experience His grace through the elements of bread and wine. These are popular acknowledgments of His Presence with us, but we all have experienced the supernatural in our lives. We marvel at the wonder of these encounters and desire more awareness of Him in our lives. But in what ways, can sacramental experience be found? Forsyth, “The true sacrament is holy personality.” I take that to…

I love how Richard Foster begins this chapter, “Through the Prayer of Rest God places his children in the eye of the storm. When all around us is chaos and confusion, deep within we know stability and serenity. In the midst of intense personal struggle, we are still and relaxed. While a thousand frustrations seek to distract us, we remain focused and attentive. This is the fruit of the Prayer of Rest.” I love how Richard Foster begins this chapter, “Through the Prayer of Rest God places his children in the eye…

Foster states, “Adoration is a spontaneous yearning of the heart to worship, honor, magnify, and bless God.” In one sense adoration is not a special form of prayer, for all true prayer is saturated with it. The prayer focuses on nothing but his goodness, asks for nothing but to cherish Him, and seeks nothing but His exaltation. Foster states, “Adoration is a spontaneous yearning of the heart to worship, honor, magnify, and bless God.” In one sense…

What exactly is the prayer of tears? It is being cut to the heart over our distance and offense to the goodness of God. (Acts 2:37) It is weeping over our sins and the sins of the world. It is the intimate and ultimate awareness that sin cuts us off from the fullness of God’s presence. It is being cut to the heart over our distance and offense to…

Teresa Yerkes teaching from Richard Foster’s book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. The prayer of the examen is a time when we make an honest assessment of how our day went. We find in the Bible the Psalmist declares, “Yahweh you examine me and know me.” Teresa Yerkes teaching from Richard Foster’s book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. The prayer of the examen is a…

Teresa Yerkes teaching from Richard Foster’s book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. We all have heard the gut-wrenching cry of Jesus, “my God, my God why have you forsaken me.” There will come a time in our own life when we will pray this prayer if our plan is to have an intimate relationship with God. We all have heard the gut-wrenching cry…

What is Christian meditation, and how can it guide us toward greater wholeness and inner peace? In this video, Teresa Yerkes shares her personal journey with Christian meditation—a practice she has embraced for over 40 years. Through heartfelt testimony, she reflects on the deep spiritual renewal, healing, and peace she has experienced, and invites others to discover how this contemplative path can nurture a more intimate relationship with God. In this video, Teresa shares her personal journey with Christian meditation—a practice she has embraced for over 40 years. For more information: www.christianmeditationcenter.org

Teresa Yerkes explores the question, "What if the freedom you’re looking for isn’t found in holding on—but in letting go?" In this powerful message, we explore how true freedom begins when we surrender our fear, control, and past to God. With the symbol of a white flag, we’re reminded that in the Kingdom of God, surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the starting point of peace, healing, and real life.

Part 2: Applying Christ’s Love in Our Lives The second part shifts to the practical application of Christ’s love. It discusses how to embody this love consistently in our relationships—with family, friends, strangers, and even enemies. The sermon also addresses common obstacles to consistent love, such as pride, anger, and hurt, offering biblical strategies to overcome them. The aim is to inspire and equip the congregation to love others as Christ loves us, with a heart that is humble, forgiving, and resilient, ultimately reflecting God’s limitless love in all aspects of life. It…

Part 1: Understanding Christ’s Unconditional Love The first part focuses on defining agape love, the highest form of love, characterized by its selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional nature. It examines how Jesus demonstrated this love through His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The goal is to deepen our understanding of Christ’s love, which is inclusive, compassionate, and transformative, challenging us to reflect on how we perceive and practice love in our own lives.

Teresa Yerkes’ Message on Paul’s Labor of Love to Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? Are they Abraham’s descendants? Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Teresa Yerkes’ Message on Paul’s Labor of Love to Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians…

A reminder that God’s love is at the heart of motherhood. Let us honor and thank the women who have nurtured and cared for us. And let us be reminded of God’s love, which is like a mother’s love, selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. May we all experience the comfort and security that comes from being held close in the arms of our heavenly mother. Let us honor and thank the women who have…

Purchase on Amazon here: Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love: A Personal Love Story and A Guide to Managing Sensual Desire Are you in love with someone other than your spouse? This is a common experience for many of us. Whether you are still experiencing feelings of love for your first love or within another relationship, it can be a time of confusion and frustration. Especially, when you feel there is no healthy way to express those feelings without hurting others. Making Love will help you navigate this tricky terrain with very practical and proven results. Making Love will answer these challenging questions. What do you do when… * love lasts longer than the physical relationship? * love becomes painful and unmanageable? * love presents itself at inconvenient time? * love seems natural and healthy, yet can feel dangerous at times? * love becomes obsessive and controlling? This guide to managing sensual desire will demonstrate that there is a way to stabilize emotions while allowing love to remain. There is freedom on the other side of this struggle. Purchase on Amazon here: Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love: A Personal Love Story and A Guide to…