Christian Meditation
Christian meditation is focusing our minds on the Word of God and what it reveals about Him. David said, “blessed” be the man whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). True Christian meditation is an active thought process whereby we give ourselves to the study of the Word, praying over it and asking God to give us understanding by the Spirit, who has promised to lead us “into all truth” (John 16:13). And then, we put this truth into practice in our daily activities.
The Bible never teaches us to “free our mind” as taught in Yoga meditation exercises. Rather, Christians are to meditate on God and His Word. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Whatever we do should be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Paul said, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1, 2).
BibleAsk has a topic on the Bible Answers page that shares what the Bible says about meditation and prayer:
141. Meditation and Prayer
1. WHAT was one of Paul’s injunctions to Timothy?
“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.” Tim. 4:15.
NOTE.-Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It assimilates, appropriates, and makes personal and practical that which has been seen, heard, or read.
2. When did David say he would praise God with joyful lips?
“When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night-watches.” Ps. 63:6.
3. How will such meditation be to one who loves God?
“My meditation of Him shall be sweet.” Ps. 104:34.
4. In what does the psalmist say the man who is blessed delights and meditates?
“His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Ps. 1:2.
5. With what adversary do we constantly have to contend?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.
6. When is a man tempted?
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” James 1:14.
7. That we may not be overcome, what are we told to do?
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41.
8. How constantly should we pray?
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17. “Continuing instant in prayer.” Rom. 12:12.
NOTE.-This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before God in prayer, but that we should not neglect prayer, and that we should ever be in a prayerful frame of mind, even when walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life,- ever ready to send up our petitions to heaven for help in time of need.
9. That we might be prepared for His coming, what admonition did Christ give?
“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. . . . And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:33-37. See also Luke 21:36.
10. Why are watchfulness and prayer especially imperative in the last days?
“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”
Revelation 12:12
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
