The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Meditating Upon The Word

What does it mean to meditate upon the Word of God? I was listening to a program on a Christian radio station and the speaker (can't recall who it was) was talking about meditating on God's word and it sparked a question in my mind as to what this meditating should "look" like.

Are we talking about the "ohhmmm" kind of meditation, i.e. focusing intently on one portion of Scripture, which I'd be scared to do because I'd think I was using some ancient eastern mojo and trying to apply it to the Scriptures...and I know this has been done because I've seen it in church bulletins as "Christian Meditation" or "Christian Yoga" or something like that. Or when the Scriptures speak of meditating on the Word are they referring to a pondering of the Scriptures--a sort of weighing and considering...I don't know, just thought I'd get some opinions.

tj,

This article by C.H. Spurgeon might help you understand better what "meditation on the Word" is. Clicky here: Meditation

I think that this is a very good question and it demonstrates two different attitudes of spiritualism. When we now think of the word meditation we think of the eastern style of meditation. We automatically think this because of all the interest in eastern religion. We tend to think of Buddhism or yoga and we picture a little bald guy in orange robes, chanting or pondering the phrase "one hand clapping."

Here are some definitions on "meditation" from the dictionary.

a. A devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation.
b. A contemplative discourse, usually on a religious or philosophical subject.
c. continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature; "the habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge" [syn: speculation] 2: (religion) contemplation of spiritual matters (usually on religious or philosophical subjects)

I believe "contemplation" is the key word here. The definition of contemplation is:

a. Thoughtful observation or study.
b. a long and thoughtful observation 2: a calm lengthy intent consideration

I believe that there has always been a tendency for Christians to move towards the mystical side of their spirituality. So there's the attraction of the eastern style of meditation where there's more of an emphasis of "being one" with nature and "looking in" and "feeling." This can lead to existentialism and totally away from sound biblical doctrine.

For me, meditation is when you read scripture and pause and contemplate what it is that your reading. This might lead to questions that you will want to answer. At this point you might search the scriptures for the answers. Or this might mean that you think about situations that relate to what you have just read, or this might lead to just thinking about other passages that you have read and learning a deeper truth.

I believe we are told in scripture that bible reading or "staying in the word" is essential to our sanctification. Being in the word and praying. I believe meditating on the word is a natural process for us who are serious in knowing God's truth. It also is a natural process that leads us to prayer. We read God's Word, meditate on it and then we pray to Him for guidance. This are all natural steps for a spiritual life.

Y.B.I.C,

Dave.

TJ,

Whenever God speaks of success in Scripture, He relates it to the continuous inner activity of meditation. Meditation is a means to and end. When our meditation is on the Word of God it can be like discovering the fountain of life, wisdom, and success.

YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS

Joshua 1:8

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

WHATEVER YOU DO WILL PROSPER

Psalm 1:2,3

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

YOU WILL EXCELL IN WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Psalm 119:97, 100

"O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day... I understand more that all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation."

YOU WILL HAVE POWER OVER SIN

Psalm 119:9,11

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

YOUR SUCCESS WILL BE OBVIOUS TO ALL

I Timothy 4:15

"Meditate on these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."

The literal concept behind the word, "meditate," is that of a cow chewing its cud. Just as it brings up again and again that which it has eaten, so we should recall in our minds over and over again that which we have put to memory. As our minds are saturated with God's word it will shape our thoughts and lead us in the paths of righteousness.


Wes

Does anyone know anything about "lectio devina"??? This is a type of meditating on Scripture that is promoted in the emergent church circles and authors like Richard Foster and stems from the RCC.

I have "red flags" about it because it's tied in with contemplative prayer which doesn't sit right with me. But I just found out that my old InterVarsity leader practices this now (this is because she's into Foster) and now I'm more interested in the details of this.

Other than being a practice from the Catholic church, does anyone happen to know any details about this and do you have any "red flags" about it like me??

Don't have any red flags (other than the usual ones about RCC practices) but here is a link to what they do: Lectio Divina. Haven't read it all myself but I'm suppose to be headed for bed not staying up here reading forums. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bananas.gif" alt="" />