Spiritual Practices: Meditation

The Spiritual practice of meditation is different from what you may be familiar wtih through popular culture. Rather than emptying yourself, Christian meditation is about filling yourself with the things of God -- His word, His faithfulness, His love, etc. Meditation in this way opens us to see and hear God more clearly and to focus more on His ways.

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Psalm 19:14 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Joshua 1:8 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Psalm 1 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Psalm 48:9 at Bible Gateway

Biblical meditation is about filling your mind with God and His truth. This exercise in meditation is all about listening to God. Suggested passages to meditate on are included.

Access resource: Scripture Meditation Exercise

When engaging in the spiritual practice of meditation, you don't have to start expecting to concentrate on God's Word for hours at a time. Start small -- maybe just a couple of minutes meditating on a simple Bible verse. As you start, it might help to deliberately remind yourself that you're doing this to focus on what God wants you to hear. If your mind wanders re-focus.

Meditation when feeling weakness: Philippians 4:13

Meditate on Philippians 4:13 the next time you are feeling weakness. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." (that's also an easy verse to memorize, so you can refer to it at any time)

Access resource: Philippians 4:13 at Bible Gateway

Meditation when feeling tempted: Romans 6:11

Using the Scripture meditation exercise above, meditate on Romas 6:11, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

Access resource: Romans 6:11 at Bible Gateway

Meditation regarding purpose: Body of Christ

Paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 12:27, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it," meditate on your purpose in God's family by considering this phrase: "I am part of the Body of Christ." Use the guidelines in the exercises linked here, and seek God as you consider that statement.

Access resource: 1 Corinthians 12:27 at Bible Gateway

Meditation concerning stress: Psalm 31:14

Psalm 31:14 and Psalm 25:2 are both short verses that you could use for scripture meditation practices. Consider memorizing one of these verses and having it on hand to ponder when you are feeling stressed out. Eastern meditation practices often say that meditation itself can reduce stress. Scriptural meditation can too, but is more that way when you are meditating on how God provides for you, cares for you, loves you deeply, and is someone you can trust.

Access resource: at Bible Gateway

See related Way of Christ category pages: Prayer

See related Way of Christ category pages: Bible