ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores how one relates to uncertainty and helps his/her to move in the direction of accepting uncertainty, rather than futilely trying to obtain a certain future. In addition to offering a psychological interpretation of worry and anxiety, the book presents a biblical viewpoint, drawing from scripture and the contemplative Christian tradition, which dates back to the experiences of the early desert Christians in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria around the third century. As a fitting alternative to mindfulness meditation, the book argues that contemplative prayer can help one to accomplish two important tasks in their efforts to relate differently to worry. First, daily contemplative prayer can assist one in letting go of their own efforts to attain certainty, which can make them worry and anxiety worse. Second, contemplative prayer is about finding rest, learning to trust in God, acknowledging God's active presence.
