What is Christian Meditation?
By Rhonda Jones
Christian meditation, often called contemplative prayer, is
setting aside time to dwell in silence and solitude and focus
entirely on God and his word. Listening to guided meditation or
silently repeating a mantra (biblical word, phrase, or
scripture) are the most common methods Christians use to
meditate today. More and more Christians are turning to
Christ-centered meditation as a way to detaching from the world,
restore their peace of mind and spend more time in God's
presence. The Bible tells us that in God's presence is fullness
of joy.
More Reasons to Meditate
There are countless benefits to Christian meditation. I believe
the 3 greatest benefits of Christian meditation is that it
allows us to spend more quality time with God, teaches us to
control our thought life, and helps us maintain our mental
health and emotional well-being. I will elaborate one each one
below:
Spend More Quality Time with God
The Psalms 46:10 tells us to be still and know God. In order to
know God we need to spend time with him. The more time we spend
in God's word and abide in his presence, the more we take on his
character and likeness. In Luke 19, when Jesus went to Zaccheaus,
the tax collector's home, it is said that Zacchaeus told Jesus
as a result of his visit, "if I has wronged or cheated anyone I
will repay them back with interest." When we dwell in God's
presence we are changed. When Mary and Martha had Jesus over as
a dinner guest, Martha became upset because Mary wasn't helping
her with the preparations. Jesus told Martha that she had many
cares, but that Mary had made the better choice, to dwell at his
side, and it would not be taken away from her.
Control Thought Life
Ephesians Chapter 6 tell us to cast down every fiery dart that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every
thought into the obedience of Christ. Meditation helps us to
still our minds so that we can observe the subtle or unconscious
thoughts that we're thinking. If we are not controlling our
thoughts, then our thoughts are controlling us. Many people live
unconsciously or by mental default. They have never examined
their internal dialogue and live by reaction instead of
purposefully. Meditation can help you to observe the mental
chatter in your mind so that you can eliminate and replace them
with God's word and rise above lower level consciousness.
Promotes Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Just like we rest and cleanse our outer and inner bodies, our
minds also need to consistent rest. Without mental rest we
become overwhelmed by the worries and the cares of our lives. We
need to mentally detox from all the mental clutter, messages,
and information we're constantly bombarded with. It is during
times of quietness, stillness and reflection that we're in the
best position hear and commune with God. During meditation we
learn surrender every situation to God. In return, we receive
that peace that passes all understanding. We release the stress
and many toxic emotions that interfere with our peace of mind.
What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?
Psalms chapter 46:10 tells us to "be still and know that I am
God." Joshua chapter 1 verse 8, admonishes us to meditate on
God's word day and night. Psalms chapter 4: 4 persuades us,
"When you are in your beds, search your hearts and be silent."
David desired in Psalms 104: 34, that his "meditations be
pleasing to the Lord." Isaiah declared in Chapter 50:4, "He
wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one
being taught." Moses spent 40 days on the mountain abiding and
learning from God (Exodus 34-35). Paul received revelation and
saw visions from heaven (2 Corinthians 12). John wrote visions
that are recorded in the book of Revelations.
I believe that is was during times of meditation that the
disciples and prophets of old received many of their visions and
revelations from God. The Bible says even Jesus spent hours
alone with God (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). Our greatest inspirations
and truths come during times of quietness, stillness, openness,
and reflection- all components of meditation.
Rhonda Jones is the author of a series of Christian
meditation and relaxation cd's that encourages listeners to
relax, spend more quality time with God, and learn to live more
consciously and in the present.
Please visit her website at
http://www.thechristianmeditator.com.
