The Art of Meditation

In our instant-everything culture, the ancient art of meditation seems almost impossible. We skim headlines, scroll feeds, and multitask through life. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to slow down and meditate—to chew on God's Word like a cow chews its cud, extracting every nutrient. This practice transforms both understanding and life itself.

Biblical vs. Eastern Meditation

Christian meditation differs fundamentally from Eastern practices:

Eastern meditation empties the mind; biblical meditation fills it with God's truth. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight" (Psalm 19:14).

Eastern meditation seeks to lose self; biblical meditation seeks to find our true self in God. "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).

Eastern meditation pursues nothingness; biblical meditation pursues the knowledge of God. "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings" (Psalm 77:12).

Eastern meditation relies on human technique; biblical meditation relies on the Holy Spirit. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

What Biblical Meditation Involves

The Hebrew word for meditate, "hagah," means to murmur, ponder, or muse. It involves:

1. Focused attention: "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways" (Psalm 119:15). Choose one verse or passage and give it undivided attention.

2. Slow repetition: Like a jeweler examining a diamond from every angle, turn the verse over in your mind, emphasizing different words each time.

3. Personal application: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). Ask, "How does this truth apply to my life today?"

4. Prayerful response: Transform meditation into conversation with God about what He's revealing.

5. Memorization: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11). Meditation naturally leads to memorization.

Subjects for Meditation

Scripture provides rich material for meditation:

• God's Word: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night" (Joshua 1:8)
• God's works: "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands" (Psalm 143:5)
• God's character: "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD" (Psalm 104:34)
• God's promises: "And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide" (Genesis 24:63)
• God's creation: "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers" (Psalm 8:3)

Practical Methods for Meditation

The SOAP Method:

• Scripture: Read the passage slowly
• Observation: What stands out?
• Application: How does this apply to me?
• Prayer: Respond to God about what you've learned

The Palms Down, Palms Up Method:

• Palms down: Release your concerns to God
• Palms up: Receive what God wants to give through His Word

The Word-by-Word Method:

Take a verse like John 3:16 and emphasize each word: "For GOD so loved..." "For God SO loved..." "For God so LOVED..." Each emphasis reveals new insights.

The Lectio Divina Approach:

• Read (Lectio): Read the passage slowly
• Reflect (Meditatio): Think deeply about it
• Respond (Oratio): Pray your response
• Rest (Contemplatio): Rest in God's presence

Benefits of Biblical Meditation

Those who practice meditation discover profound benefits:

• Prosperity: "Then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Joshua 1:8)
• Stability: "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water" (Psalm 1:3)
• Fruitfulness: "That bringeth forth his fruit in his season" (Psalm 1:3)
• Understanding: "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalm 119:99)
• Delight: "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word" (Psalm 119:16)

Overcoming Meditation Obstacles

Common challenges and solutions:

Wandering thoughts: Don't fight them; gently return to the verse. Write down distracting thoughts to address later.

Time pressure: Start with just 5 minutes. "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right" (Proverbs 16:8).

Lack of understanding: Ask the Holy Spirit for insight. Use tools like SpiriseBible to explore context and meaning.

Dryness: Persevere. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm 126:5). Breakthrough often follows faithfulness.

Distraction: Find a quiet place. Jesus "withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed" (Luke 5:16).

Creating a Meditation Practice

Establish sustainable habits:

• Choose a time: Many find morning best: "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning" (Psalm 5:3)
• Select a place: Have a designated spot free from interruptions
• Start small: Begin with one verse, not a chapter
• Use tools wisely: Apps like SpiriseBible can guide meditation without becoming distractions
• Journal insights: Writing crystallizes revelation

Meditation Throughout the Day

Biblical meditation isn't limited to quiet times:

• Meditate while commuting on a memorized verse
• Reflect on Scripture during routine tasks
• Let worship songs become meditation prompts
• Use waiting times for spiritual reflection
• End the day reviewing how God's Word applied

The Transforming Power

Regular meditation transforms us: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we meditate on God's Word, we become like what we behold.

Reflection Questions

1. What prevents you from regularly meditating on Scripture? How can you remove these barriers?
2. Which meditation method appeals most to you? When will you try it this week?
3. How might your spiritual life change if you meditated on one verse each day for a month?

Prayer

Today's Challenge