Christian meditation is the practice of meditating according to the Bible and Christian tradition. It is focused on developing an intimate relationship with God by quieting the mind and connecting to the presence of God within. There are several types of Christian meditation practiced today.
Scriptural Meditation
One of the most common forms of Christian meditation is meditating on scripture. This involves carefully reading a passage from the Bible, reflecting on its meaning, and allowing it to permeate your mind and heart. The goal is to gain deeper understanding of God’s word and draw nearer to God through contemplating scriptural truths.
Some key Bible verses emphasize the importance of meditating on God’s word:
Psalm 1:2 says of the righteous man, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Psalm 119 repeatedly declares the blessings and benefits of meditating on God’s word and commandments. Verse 15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Verse 27 says, “Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.”
Scriptural meditation often involves “chewing” on a verse or passage slowly, reflecting on its meaning, praying through it, memorizing key verses, and putting it into practice. Taking time to thoughtfully read, understand, and apply God’s word is a vital spiritual discipline.
Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer is a silent, receptive form of prayer that seeks to quiet the mind and rest in the presence of God. It goes beyond words, thoughts, and emotions and seeks simply to abide in God.
Some key Bible verses emphasize the importance of stillness before God:
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 62:1 says, “For God alone my soul waits in silence.”
Jesus practiced times of contemplative prayer, often withdrawing to desolate places to pray in solitude (Luke 5:16). He also taught his disciples the importance of withdrawing from busyness to be alone with the Father and pray in secret (Matthew 6:6).
Contemplative traditions such as centering prayer, Christian meditation, and lectio divina aim to cultivate this receptive, listening spirit before God by quieting the noise within through practices such as
– Silently repeating a word or phrase to still thoughts
– Sitting silently for extended periods
– Paying attention to one’s breath
– Opening one’s hands up receptively
The goal is to create mental space to hear God speak and sense His presence. This requires training the mind to release distractions and be still.
Using Prayer Words or Verses
Many Christian meditative practices involve focusing the mind by repeating a word or phrase. These mantra-like words or verses help direct one’s thoughts toward God and prevent the mind from wandering.
Some examples of prayer words include:
– Maranatha (“Come Lord”)
– Abba (meaning “Father”)
– Jesus
Or it could be a short verse like “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) or “For me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).
Repeating these words or verses helps calm the mind and direct it toward the presence of Christ. This repetition is also called “praying the scriptures.”
Using Prayer Beads
Prayer beads, like rosaries or Protestant prayer beads, are used to count repetitions during Christian mantra meditation. Fingering the beads helps occupy the senses and keep focused on the words.
While praying each bead, one might pray the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”). Or pray through the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles Creed, or other memorized prayers. The physicality and repetition create a meditative state.
Praying in Color
Praying in color combines prayer, meditation, and art. One meditates on a scripture or word from God while simultaneously coloring patterns, shapes, and images. This engages both sides of the brain and helps relax the body. The coloring action frees the mind from distraction so one can become immersed in prayer.
Lectio Divina
Lectio divina means “divine reading” in Latin. It is a meditative approach to reading Scripture that involves steps such as:
– Lectio (reading) – Slowly reading a Bible passage 2-4 times, noticing words or phrases that stand out.
– Meditatio (meditation) – Reflecting deeply on the passage, thinking through its meaning and application.
– Oratio (prayer) – Praying through the passage, asking God to speak through it.
– Contemplatio (contemplation) – Resting silently in God’s presence, listening for His voice through the passage.
This unhurried, contemplative approach allows Scripture to sink deep into the mind and heart.
Using Imagination
Ignatian meditation uses the imagination to enter biblical scenes. One visualizes themselves as a bystander and engages the 5 senses – seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, smells, tastes, and feeling the atmosphere. This makes the events feel more immersive.
For example, imagining oneself at the crucifixion scene, hearing the jeering crowd, seeing Jesus’ blood, sensing the emotion of the moment. This ignites the affections and imprints Gospel truths more vividly.
Praying Scripture
Praying scripture turns Bible verses into prayer. As one reads through a passage, they turn the truths into petitions, praises, laments, or thanksgivings – essentially praying through the passage. For example:
“Lord, I praise you as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Thank you for knowing me and calling me by name. Help me hear and follow your voice.”
This interactive approach engages the heart and mind more deeply with God’s word.
Journaling
Many Christians combine meditation with journaling. After meditating on a passage, they journal their thoughts, reflections, prayers, insights, and applications. Getting revelations from God in writing helps imprint them and aids in life application. It also gives an outlet for responding back to God.
Meditating on the Majesty of God
Christian meditation focuses not just on God’s word, but also His very person and presence. Scriptural meditation often transitions into wonder and awe over who God is – His majesty, glory, beauty, power, wisdom and love. Beholding God’s grandeur and meditating on His attributes leads to worship and adoration.
Psalm 63:6 says, “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…” The Psalmist’s meditation on God leads to worship. Similarly, Psalm 104 extensively describes God’s majestic creation and mighty works, leading the Psalmist to “Meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty” (v. 34).
Meditating on Christ
A central focus of Christian meditation is on the person and work of Jesus Christ. As Paul says in Philippians 3:10, “that I may know Him.” Meditating on Christ means reflecting on His life, miracles, teaching, death, resurrection, ascension, second coming, etc. This drives a deeper understanding and appreciation of Christ.
Scriptures like Hebrews 3:1 instruct believers to, “Consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.” Focusing the mind’s eye on who Christ is allows us to “behold the glory of the Lord” and be transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18). Gazing on Jesus’ beauty changes us.
Practicing God’s Presence
All Christian meditation aims to practice awareness of God’s presence. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing.” Rather than compartmentalizing prayer, we can cultivate a constant inner attention to God alongside our daily tasks.
Brother Lawrence called this “practicing the presence of God.” We remember and recognize that God is with us at all times. This mindfulness of His abiding presence sanctifies everyday life.
Purposes and Benefits of Christian Meditation
The ultimate aim of Christian meditation is intimacy with God. By quieting our hearts to focus on God Himself and His Word, we can draw closer to Him.
Specifically, Christian meditation:
– Creates deeper understanding of Scripture
– Imprints God’s truth on the mind and heart
– Ignites love and devotion for God
– Moves the affections through experiences with God
– Stillness and solitude equip us to hear God’s voice
– Counters a distracted, anxious mind
– Allows God to renew and transform us
– Awakens more childlike faith and joy
– Reminds us of God’s presence and peace
– Prepares us to encounter God and sense His nearness
– Opens us to receive God’s grace and direction
Christian meditation bears spiritual fruit as we become more rooted in Christ, shaped by Scripture, aware of God’s presence, and transformed by encountering Him. It is a vital component of a thriving relationship with God.
Cautions Regarding Christian Meditation
While Christian meditation provides rich spiritual benefits, some cautions merit mention:
– Technique should not eclipse relationship. The goal is intimacy with Christ, not mastering a skill.
– Avoid New Age approaches that empty the mind. Christian meditation fills the mind with Scripture and Christ-focused thought.
– Don’t expect mystical experiences. Intimacy with Christ often involves simple, quiet communion.
– Don’t disengage the mind. Christian meditation engages the mind biblically and analytically.
– Avoid ritualistic repetitions. Prayers should come from the heart, not just reciting words.
– Balance meditation with study, service, community, and other spiritual disciplines.
– Don’t withdraw from society for prolonged solitary meditation. We are called to follow Christ in real-world actions.
Practiced wisely and biblically, Christian meditation can enrich believers’ relationship with God and deepen their faith walk. While techniques may vary, the goal is the same – to draw nearer to God and be transformed in His presence. Consistent meditation helps ingrain our identity in Christ and live out our calling to love Him and others.