Devotio Moderna

Devotio Moderna, or Modern Devotion, was a 14th century new religious movement, with Gerard Groote as a key founder. Other well-known members included Thomas à Kempis, the likely author of The Imitation of Christ, a book which proved highly influential for centuries.

Groote's initial focus was the rediscovery of genuine pious practices and conversion and re-conversion of the lukewarm clergy, and he faced opposition from the clergy, as a result. But in time, after his death the opposition faded away. Devotio Moderna flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries, but came to an end with the Protestant Reformation.

However, the methods of "methodical prayer" taught by the Devotio Moderna and the techniques used for "self projection" into the imagery of a Biblical scene (to participate in the life of Jesus), significantly influenced the approaches to Christian meditation in the 16th century and thereafter. These methods persist in meditations such as the Spiritual Exercises, which the Jesuits continue to practice.