Christian meditation may sound like a contradictory phrase to many. When one considers the word "meditation," the images of chanting, emptying the mind, channeling objects, and attaining a higher level of spirituality immediately floods our thoughts, not actions usually associated with Christians. However, Christian meditation is definitely different from the well-known New Age Movement concept of mediation.

 

One author defines Christian meditation as "deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer." This suggests that Christian meditation is a deliberate effort to focus your mind on specific scriptures from the Word of God and reflect on the meaning and its relevance for your life. It is an effort to understand God’s Word in the context of his love and ultimate sacrifice to make salvation available to all.

 

In Joshua 1:8, we read the Lord’s directive to Joshua and the Israelites, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” 

 

Here we see where the concept of meditation is linked to God’s law, followed by a command to obey it for success and prosperity. Describing the characteristics of a man who is blessed, Psalm 1:2 reads, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” The Psalmist also declares in Psalm 77:12, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” These verses again link mediation to God's law and good works.  

 

Paul further corroborates the act of meditation as he wrote to Timothy and encouraged him to give attention to reading the Word of God, exhortation, and doctrine. He then told him in 1 Timothy 4:15, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” 

 

The truth is that Christian meditation has always been linked to obedience and action. It is not about clearing the mind but focusing the mind on God's Word and all the things he has done for all. It is, therefore, very important to commit to obey God's law for success. One key person in the process of Christian meditation is the Holy Spirit. 

 

We need the Holy Spirit to guide us into all things, as he is the Spirit of Truth. It is the Spirit that imparts an understanding of the scriptures on which one may choose to meditate. Only through the Holy Spirit can one understand what God wishes to communicate to you when you meditate on his Word.

 

Ten Things People should know about Christian Meditation

  1. Instead of seeking to clear the mind, it aims to fill the mind with thoughts of God and his Word. As such, while it is good to remove distractions as far as possible, it is not required that you empty your mind.
  2. It can be done during your devotion time, while traveling, during chores, while resting, and even while working. You do not need to be in a special place to meditate on God’s Word.
  3. One must seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to reveal the scriptures' meaning and application for one's life when engaging in Christian mediation.
  4. It should result in obedience to God's Word and a deeper appreciation of God's love and leading.
  5. It acknowledges God and his providence over our life and suggests a submission to his will.
  6. It brings the one in deep communion with God, as one becomes aware of their shortcomings, repent, and resolve to live in obedience to God’s Word.
  7. It can involve praying through scriptures where you pray God’s Words back to him and hold him to his promises as you seek his guidance. Praying through scripture forces you to apply the scripture to your situation and becomes more of a reality in your life.
  8. It does not involve chanting, detaching from the world, or channeling any object or person.
  9. It can incorporate contemplation and even memorizing a scripture passage or single verse to understand Bible truths.
  10. It should result in the Christian feeling refreshed with a renewed sense of energy and purpose for the journey with Christ.

 

Our Top Tips For Meditation

There is no standard way to meditate, but here are some helpful tips that can guide you in this practice:

  • Choose a scripture verse or scripture passage for meditation
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to help you to understand the selected scripture
  • Read the scripture through more than once and then process it word by word, or phrase by phrase
  • Reflect on the meaning of the scripture in the context of God's love and ponder on the application and relevance to your life
  • Pray using the words of the selected scripture and ask God to reveal his will for your life
  • While praying, you may be tempted to detract from the scripture, but reign in your thoughts and focus on the selected scripture
  • Commit to apply this scripture in your life, in the act of obedience to God's Word
  • If desired, you can memorize this scripture or write it and so that you have it on hand for quick reference

 

Christian mediation is a partnership with the Holy Spirit who reveals the truths of God's Word and its application for your lives. It acknowledges God as the Supreme One who orchestrates the path of your lives. When a deliberate effort is made to reflect on God’s Word, he joins his people in deep communion as he speaks to their hearts and minds through his Spirit.

 

People are then refreshed as they understand God's will and seek to walk in obedience. As Joshua 1:8 says, whenever you meditate on God's law and walk in obedience, prosperity, and success will follow. Choose a scripture and commune with God through Christian mediation as you prepare to be blessed and empowered. And if you are having trouble doing it on your own, try out Amen App and we'll guide you.