Cultivating Spirituality: Meditation

Continuing in our study of the spiritual disciplines, we will follow the list of those which are contemplative, which leads us to the discipline of meditation. What is meditation and how is it to be applied to our spiritual lives as Christians? Meditation is simply extended thought, contemplation, or reflection. The percieved image of meditation is sitting with your legs crossed, hands held outward at the sides or held together, and eyes closed (much like the photo to the right). Although many religions practice the discipline of meditation, I want to talk about Christian meditation. There is a huge difference between Christian meditation and that of other religions. It differs in many areas; we do not empty our minds in order to look deeper into ourselves for guidance, nor do we meditate on a certain object or process. Simply put, Christian meditation is lengthy, focused, prayerful thinking on the truths of who God is, His attributes, His actions in our lives, and what He has done according to Scripture. Meditation is a key theme that is woven throughout the Old Testament. It is most evident when the Lord commands Joshua, after the death of Moses, in Joshua 1:18 -

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Psalms also includes numerous references to meditation, such as Ps 19:14 -

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."


The New Tesament also speaks of meditation in Philippians 4:8 -

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”


As we talked of silence and solitude in our last study, we realize that the spiritual disciplines go hand in hand with eachother, as meditation has much in common with silence and solitude. We can naturally assume that Jesus was a man of meditation, as he was of prayer and solitude. He was a brilliant teacher who's insight was beyond that of all of the other teachers of his time (and ours!), and he often spent time alone with the Father, as can be seen from that last study. In our meditation, its important to focus on the Scripture, just as God told Joshua in the Old Testament. This helps us to focus on God and gives us a direction in which to meditate. The "Hows and Wheres" of Christian meditation are much like those from the study of silence and solitude. Here are some things that can help you in your meditation:

• Memorize or think of a word, phrase, verse, book or scene in the Bible which convicts you or comes to mind.


• Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you the Scripture, to convict you of your sin, and to give you a heart to obey His word.


• Ask for understanding and knowledge from God.


• Seek to find His will for you in His word.


• Pay attention to the way Jesus spoke with the Father.


• Repent of any sin that is in your life and talk to God about that struggle.


• Ask for guidance and an obedient heart to God's word.
  

These are just a few ideas, but dont let them limit your time meditating in the Fathers presence! Remember, the spiritual disciplines are meant for us to grow spiritually, to know God more, and in reaction to this, tell others about Him and His love! More than anything, we want to follow the pattern and example of Jesus! Christian meditation doesnt have to be mysterious or confined to any sort of sitting position, but can be done by anyone who wants to be more like Jesus and has a heart to know Him better! In return, the Holy Spirit will convict and transform us in our own lives, causing our meditation to turn in to obedience and action for God. God bless!