[Note, words in italics have been altered to improve readability. Asterisks denote redacted text]

Father Freeman,

On behalf of all of us who attended your lecture on April 14, 2013, I want to thank you for caring enough to come and speak to us about Christian meditation.

Meditation is new to me. I am currently enrolled in a faith-based program which has introduced me to both eastern and Christian meditation. I have to be honest and say my mind seems to struggle with the “quiet” and “stillness” because I have been in prison for 37 years and “quiet” and “stillness” are new to me.

I am a non-denominational Christian and believe Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am finding that invoking a “mantra” — even during my weekly eastern meditation, has helped me corral my racing mind, and bring me back to the business of looking inside myself.

*** has been very helpful in guiding us through the turbulence in our minds, and his scripture reading technique is helping me to visualize m mantra (maranatha) in place of the disturbances. The scriptures set me at ease and the meditation which follows allows me to consider the possibilities that I am truly in the presence of God.

When prison bears down on me, I now have a new weapon in my arsenal to make it all go away and allow me peace. Thank you, sir,