Can you meditate as a Christian? Let us demystify the subject and provide clarity on what it means to meditate on God’s Word.
Starting Your Journey with Christian Meditation
Christian Meditation is the practice of reading, speaking, thinking about, and contemplating our marvelous God through His Word. To best understand what Christian meditation is, let’s address what the word “meditate” even means:
meditate: to engage in contemplation or reflection
There is Biblical precedence for meditating on Scripture, too. The Hebrew word, haga, which means to meditate, imagine, or mutter, is used in passages like Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, and Psalm 63:6. Rather than the meditation of Eastern religions which encourage the emptying of the mind or repeating mantras, we as Christians choose to focus on Jesus - the author and perfecter of our faith - by consuming God’s word slowly and intentionally.
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2-3
Christian Meditation Is:
- when we ponder or memorize God’s Word
- when we focus on what Jesus did, giving His life up for us.
- when we dive deep into study around a certain verse, passage, or theme in the Bible
Christian Meditation Isn’t:
- repeating mantras or declarations
- emptying your mind of thought
- seeking after other gods or spirits
How Can I Do Christian Meditation?
Now that we’ve named what Christian meditation is, here are some tips on how to have an extended time of focus on God’s Word.
Find the spot that’s right for you.
No one wants to study the Bible in a chaotic space. Find a quiet place like your car, your room, your yard, or a quiet coffee shop to settle into.
Set a timer to remain focused.
Start with fifteen minutes and turn your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ to ensure that you can give all of your attention to meditating on God’s Word.
Start with the Psalms.
The Psalms are the easiest place to begin when you’re beginning Christian Meditation. Here are a few passages to spend time memorizing or reciting:
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. - Psalm 16: 5- 6
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. - Psalm 119: 9-11
Practice the Recipe for Revelation.
If reading a passage is causing boredom, simply practice the Recipe for Revelation which goes…
Read it. Write it. Sing it. Say it. Pray it.
Use Blue Letter Bible for deeper study.
If a certain word or phrase is sticking out to you as you read, dive into a more concentrated study by using a software like Blue Letter Bible. Click on the particular passage you’re reading, then click “Interlinear/Concordance” to see the meaning of the root word that’s sticking out to you.
Make a habit.
As we make a routine of meditating on God’s Word, we deepen our understanding of Christ and further our relationship with God.
Conclusion
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Practice makes perfect,” but thankfully, spending time with God isn’t about perfection - it’s about connection. Meditating on Scripture is a helpful tool that anchors us in the words of the Bible and keeps us living as God intended. There’s no better time than now to begin your journey with Christian Meditation and become a lifelong student of the Word.
Related Post: Bible Verses About Meditation
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