Sarah Mitchell
Meditation is an integral part of the Christian tradition, with Jesus and Paul demonstrating the importance of meditating on God's Word to fulfil God's purpose. Christian meditation is a means of communing with God, engaging the heart and mind in a loving conversation with Him. It is a way to grow closer to God, and there are many methods to choose from, including Lectio Divina, where one meditates on Scripture, and Visio Divina, where one meditates on sacred art.
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of meditating on scripture
Meditating on Scripture is a vital practice for maturing in the Christian life. It is a great aid to prayer, helping us to hear and read the Word with real benefit. It makes the Word "full of life and energy to our souls".
Meditation is a means of knowing God, growing in grace, and being transformed into Christlikeness. It helps us to focus on the Triune God, to love and enjoy Him in all His persons – intellectually, spiritually, and aesthetically. It promotes gratitude for all the blessings showered upon us by God through His Son. It also glorifies God.
Meditation on Scripture helps us to benefit others with our spiritual fellowship and counsel. It helps faith, hope, love, humility, and numerous spiritual comforts thrive in the soul. It prepares us for the gift of contemplation – a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God. By God's action of grace, we may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality.
Meditation is like chewing – it is slow and thorough. It helps us to understand the meaning of Scripture, to absorb its important teachings, and to use God's Word in an accurate way in whatever situations we encounter. This enables us to successfully navigate life in a fallen world, guarding our hearts and fulfilling God's purposes.
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Differences between Christian and non-Christian meditation
While meditation is a common practice across many cultures and religions, there are significant differences between Christian and non-Christian meditation practices. Christian meditation is deeply rooted in the Bible and ancient Christian practices, with the ultimate goal of deepening one's relationship with God. This is achieved through focusing on God and His Word, allowing oneself to be transformed into the character of Christ. In contrast, non-Christian meditation, particularly Eastern meditation, often focuses on the inner self and may involve detaching from the self, others, and the external world.
Christian meditation, as a form of prayer, is a conversation with God. It involves engaging both the heart and the mind, with the aim of communing with Christ. This communion is facilitated by meditating on Scripture, which allows Christians to understand the meaning of God's Word and apply it to their lives. Through this practice, Christians can navigate life's challenges and align their thoughts, emotions, and will with God's purposes. Additionally, Christian meditation is not solely about self-care; it is about "others-care." As individuals deepen their relationship with God through meditation, this naturally results in loving outward action toward others.
Non-Christian meditation, on the other hand, often has different goals and practices. For example, secular mindfulness meditation focuses on self-improvement and becoming more grounded and calm. Eastern meditation, such as Transcendental Meditation, aims to empty the mind and merge with the universe, detaching from the self and suffering. While these practices may provide benefits such as stress relief and improved focus, they do not have the same spiritual foundation as Christian meditation.
It is important to note that some authors emphasize similarities between Christian and non-Christian meditation practices. For instance, Thomas Merton, an American Catholic monk, found parallels between the language of Christian mystics and Zen philosophy. However, Merton also believed that non-Christian religions had little to contribute in terms of doctrine. Additionally, psychologist Daniel Goleman has explored commonalities in his work, "The Varieties of the Meditative Experience."
In conclusion, while there may be some overlapping techniques and benefits, the fundamental difference between Christian and non-Christian meditation lies in their underlying philosophies and ultimate goals. Christian meditation is centred on a relationship with God and is guided by Scripture, resulting in personal transformation and a deeper capacity for loving others. Non-Christian meditation practices may offer valuable insights and benefits but differ in their spiritual foundations and objectives.
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Examples of meditation in the Bible
The Bible does not provide specific instructions or models for meditation, but the word "meditate" or its derivatives appear nearly 20 times, depending on the translation. In the Bible, meditation is associated with growth and prosperity, and it is a key component of a Christian's spiritual growth. The Hebrew words for meditation give us insight into the practice, with one suggesting a low pitch muttering sound and the other meaning to be absorbed with something. J.I. Packer, a theologian, describes meditation as:
> [T]he activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God... It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.
Isaac
The first biblical example of meditation is found in Genesis 24:63, when Isaac went into the fields in the evening to meditate. Isaac's meditation likely involved prayer for his future bride, concerns about becoming a husband, and gratefulness to God for no longer being lonely after his mother's death.
King David
King David provides another example of meditation in 2 Samuel 7. When Nathan the prophet relays the message that God did not want David to build a house for Him, David sat before the Lord in response. Throughout the Psalms, we see David's example of directing his thoughts to Scripture and his past experiences with God when life became difficult.
Jesus
Jesus offers a striking example of someone who saturated Himself in God's Word by meditating on it deeply. This is evident in how He responded to the devil's temptations with Scripture after His baptism and in His recall and use of Scripture throughout His ministry, even when He was on the cross.
Apostle Paul
The apostle Paul quoted Scripture constantly in his epistles and encouraged believers to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16). He meditated deeply on Scripture and understood its meaning, urging others to do the same.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."
Psalm 119:23 NLT
"Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees."
Psalm 19:14 NIV
"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
1 Timothy 4:15 NKJV
"Meditate [meletaō] on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all."
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Methods of meditating on scripture
There are many methods of meditating on scripture, and Christians may choose the one that best suits their temperament or situation in life. While the specific methods may vary, the goal of meditating on scripture is to aid in communion with Christ and to have a conversation with God. Here are some methods of meditating on scripture:
Lectio Divina
This is a practice of meditating on scripture to have a fruitful conversation with God. One can choose a particular Scripture passage to meditate on and focus their thoughts on the verse, phrase, word, or teaching of Scripture. This helps to give direction to one's mind, allowing it to track and go somewhere specific.
Visio Divina
This involves meditating on sacred art.
Meditating on the Life of Jesus
One can meditate on moments from the life of Jesus while praying the Rosary.
Contemplation (Contemplatio)
Contemplation is a gaze turned towards Christ and the things of God. Through God's grace, one may be raised above meditation to a state of experiencing the text as a mystery and reality, coming into contact with the One beyond the text.
Meditating on the Psalms
The Psalms are mentioned as a source of meditation and are said to emphasize resting in God's presence. For example, David's Psalm 139: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me."
Meditating on the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of the faithful spending time in silent, intentional prayer to grow closer to God. For instance, one can reflect on Moses at Mount Sinai, where God appeared in the burning bush.
Memorization and Deep Understanding
Jesus and Paul did not merely read or memorize Scripture but meditated deeply on its meaning. This enabled them to use God's Word accurately and navigate their situations with wisdom and grace.
While these methods provide a starting point, the key is to find what works best for the individual and to remember that the ultimate goal is communion with God.
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Preparing to meditate
Choose a Quiet and Comfortable Space
Select a quiet and peaceful environment that is free from distractions and interruptions. This could be a quiet room, a place in nature, or even a sacred space such as a church or chapel. Ensure that you won't be disturbed during your meditation practice.
Remove Distractions
Before beginning your meditation, take care of any physical distractions or tasks that might prevent you from fully focusing. For example, you might want to silence your phone or complete any pending tasks that are on your mind. A calm heart, mind, and body will help you prepare for meditation.
Select a Scripture Passage or Theme
Choose a Scripture passage, verse, phrase, or teaching from the Bible that resonates with you. You can select a specific passage from the Old or New Testament, such as a psalm or a story from the life of Christ. Alternatively, you might want to focus on a particular theme, such as God's love, forgiveness, or a specific spiritual virtue.
Set an Intention
Be intentional about your meditation practice. Ask yourself why you are meditating and what you hope to gain from it. Setting an intention can help guide your meditation and ensure that you stay focused on your spiritual goals.
Choose a Comfortable Posture
While some people prefer to pray while kneeling or sitting on the floor, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Find a posture that is comfortable for you and allows you to remain focused and present during your meditation. This could be sitting in a chair, kneeling, or even standing if that feels right for you.
Remember, there are many methods of Christian meditation, and you can choose the one that best suits your temperament and situation. The important thing is to create an environment and mindset that allows you to connect with God and have a meaningful conversation with Him.
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Frequently asked questions
Christian meditation engages the heart and the mind to aid in communion with Christ, that loving conversation with God that is the essence of prayer.
There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters. It is recommended to choose the method that best suits your temperament or situation in life.
In the New Testament, Jesus gives us an example of someone who meditated deeply on Scripture. This is evident in the way He responded with Scripture to the devil’s temptations after His baptism.
