Meditation 101 for Believers

What do we typically think of when we think of meditation? Gongs and candle lit caverns? An open airy yoga space? Chanting appropriated words from an unfamiliar spiritual practice? 

Meditation is one of those practices that is experiencing a boom in popularity, but many of us have a lot of questions before diving pinhead first (pun intended). Most of us were raised believing that meditation is something only eastern religions practiced. 

But that is not true at all, nor is meditation something to be apprehensive about. 

Today, we are skimming the surface of meditation for people of the Christian faith and why it is more vital than ever to still your mind and focus your thoughts.

So let's start with the basics:

What is meditation?
Meditation is defined as in contemplation or reflection, to focus one's thoughts, to reflect on or ponder over. Meditation is a mental discipline where you must get beyond reflective, "thinking" into a deep mental place of relaxation and awareness, turning attention to a single point of reference, being God.

What is the difference between current trendy meditation practices and Christian mediation practice?

Meditation in both eastern practices and in Christianity share the similarity in that both are discipline practices that require a stilling of self and a mental retreat deep within oneself. However, this is where  the similarities between eastern meditation and Christian meditation end.

Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline tells us "the goal of eastern meditation is “to empty the mind,” to literally think upon nothing, while a Christian seeks to fill his or her mind with God. Meditation puts us in a position to view our lives from a new perspective and to encounter God in meaningful ways."

With Christian meditation, the goal is not to empty yourself, but to instead fill yourself with more of God. It is an opportunity to worship God with our minds, an opportunity to focus on the word of God in a reflective and pensive way to thinking of His goodness and faithfulness, His justice and mercy. 

Christian meditation is a chance for quiet contemplative time with God.

What is the difference between prayer and meditation?

We have this super spooky view of prayer, but really all prayer is is a conversation with God. It is an opportunity to speak to and hear back from Him.

Prayer and meditation work together. During prayer, you are having a dialogue with God. Following prayer, you should take the time to meditate on what God has said in response to you.

Meditation is cerebral. Meditation is thoughtful. We are familiar with the phrase "When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He has done for me, my soul cries Hallelujah." But the key word in that phrase is think. This thinking, or meditation, upon how Jesus is good, in  has led to the soul's response in rejoicing. But if there was no thought, would there even be a rejoicing? 

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that the kind of worship and love God wants is thoughtful, has been meditated upon, and is not simply an emotional or physical response. God wants us to grasp onto the deeper "whys" for our praise, our worship, our living, and we can best accomplish that through meditation.

What do Christians even meditate upon?

There are so many things we can meditate upon. Scripture is a great place to start. Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage? Open it up. Read it to yourself and then read it aloud. Listen to yourself speak the words. Then reflect upon what you have heard. 

What about a favorite worship song? If you have a favorite christian song or hymn, you can have it playing while you think about the lyrics. Or find the lyrics and read them to yourself, listening to your own voice and thinking about what these words mean.

Why do we even need to take the time to meditate?

The point of meditation is to fill yourself with God as to experience Him in a newer, or different way cerebrally. Maybe you find yourself in need of an answer, or your need a mental reset, or perhaps you feel a longing to go deeper in your own faith practice. Mediation is the answer to all of those.

When thinking of meditation as a Christian practice, we can go to one of the most authoritative voices on the faith, Paul, whose letters and life shine through in the New Testament. Here is what Paul has to say about meditation:

Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Meditation can happen anywhere and for any amount of time. If all you can manage is a brief quiet few moments in your car, then that is great. If you can manage an hour while going on a run or walk outside, that is great. Whatever you can do that works for you is awesome.

It feels weird at first, pushing out all of the thoughts in your mind. BUT DO NOT QUIT! It is worth it to get to that quiet place where you can really hear God. Stick with it, even if its only 5 minutes the first time. Keep trying. Ask God to help you. It is well worth it.

Scriptures to meditate upon:
-Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

-Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

-Psalm 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.

-Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

-Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

-Psalm 77:12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds.

-Psalm 104:34 Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.

-Psalm 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

-Psalm 119:15-16 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.

-2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.