Can a Christian meditate? Is it a sin to meditate? How do you meditate on the Bible? Is it even possible? Let us demystify the subject and provide clarity on what it means to meditate on God’s Word.
Starting Your Journey with Christian Meditation: How to Meditate as a Christian
In Christianity, meditation is the practice of reading, speaking, thinking about, and contemplating on our marvelous God through His Word, the Bible. 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 precedent 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, in Christianity, meditation is when we 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
This Bible verse is great for meditation! Through the practice of Lectio Divina and Visio Divina, you can meditate on the choice Jesus made to save us from sin.
In Christianity, 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
In Christianity, meditation is not:
- repeating mantras or declarations
- emptying your mind of thought
- seeking after other gods or spirits
How Do I Meditate as a Christian?
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.
If you’re looking for the best spot in the Bible for how to meditate biblically, look no further than the book of 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
This Bible verse for Christian meditation is a deep dive into God’s strength and might. The word “horn” might feel odd to you, but in a Hebrew context, horns were a symbol of power and strength!
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
This Bible verse for Christian meditation is focusing on the Lord as the better portion. Sometimes in our culture of go-go-go and more-more-more, we can forget that the Lord is what we really want and really need. Our inheritance is God. Think about that! Psalm 16:5-6 is a great place to start meditating biblically.
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
This Bible verse for Christian meditation is ideal for those wanting clean hands and a pure heart. In Christianity, meditation isn’t just for calm and peace of mind, Christian meditation is also meant to transform us, from the inside out! As we meditate on the commandments that God has given us, the Bible begins to shape us and our convictions. Fun Fact: Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible with 22 stanzas!
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 you make a routine of meditating on God’s Word, you will deepen your understanding of Christ and further your relationship with God.
Different Methods to Dive into Christian Meditation
Wait – pause: can a Christian meditate? Is it a sin to meditate? We’re here to clear that up for you as we dive into the depths of Christian meditation. In Christianity, meditation is a focus on God, His Word, and His ways.
Unlike ancient eastern forms of meditation, in Christianity, meditation is a fixation on God and God alone! Rather than naval gazing, searching on our own for mental clarity, or consulting idols or mantras, in Christianity, meditation is where we intentionally focus on God, the Bible, and prayer.
Lectio Divina | How to Meditate Biblically
If you’re looking to deepen your connection with God's word, look no further than Lectio Divina. When translated to English, Lectio Divina means, ‘divine reading.’ It is a centuries-old practice that invites you to savor Scripture like a meal. Consider Lectio Divina the ancient roadmap for how to meditate biblically. It's more than just reading – it's about listening for God's voice within the stories and text of scripture.
You start by slowly reading a passage, pondering its meaning, and allowing the words to sink deep into your heart. Lectio Divina can be a truly transformative experience, opening your mind and soul to the wisdom of the Bible and the experiential knowledge of Jesus through the Word!
Visio Divina
Since we’ve cleared up the confusion on the question, “Can a Christian meditate?”, we want to encourage you with more ways to meditate on God! Another way to meditate biblically is by the ancient practice of Visio Divina, meaning 'divine seeing,' in latin.
It is a contemplative practice where you encounter God through images. Instead of focusing on the word of the Bible, you'll gaze upon a piece of sacred art – a painting, icon, or even the birds! Remember the Bible verse:
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? - Matthew 6:26 NIV
One of the classic ways to practice Visio Divina is to meditate on the crucifixion. To ‘survey the wondrous cross’ is a classic “how-to” when it comes to meditating biblically.
As you slowly observe an image of Jesus on the cross, allow yourself to be drawn deeper into the mystery. Jesus – fully God, fully man, perfectly humble, taking on sin, shame, scorn, and the pain of the cross. Notice the colors of the painting, the shapes, and even the symbols. As you practice visio divina and the crucifixion, pay attention to what emotions rise up within you. What stories do you see unfolding? What prayers or praise do you want to give God for His love? Visio Divina can be a powerful tool to experience God's presence in a fresh and unexpected way!
Audio Bible & Christian Meditation Apps
Audio Bible and Christian Meditation apps can be wonderful tools for your journey with God! They offer a convenient way to meditate on the Bible anytime, anywhere. You can listen to Scripture while working out, commuting, cooking, or simply relaxing. Many apps also include guided meditations that can help you learn how to meditate biblically, focusing on themes of gratitude, forgiveness, and peace.
But..is it a sin to meditate? Absolutely not! Christian meditation is a practice of quieting the mind to connect with God and focus on His goodness. How to meditate biblically often involves reflecting on God's Word, allowing it to sink into your heart and transform your thoughts.
Curious what Christian meditation apps sound like? Here’s a preview on Abide’s YouTube channel!
Wanting the best Bible app? Check out Dwell. With over 21 different narrators of the Bible, you’ll be sure to find the best audio bible experience for you!
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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