Spiritual Disciplines (4 of 7) :: Meditation
February 25, 2010 by Ben Griffin
When I was in college I took a J-term class on monasticism. 2 weeks of that class were spent in the classroom studying the subject matter and one week was spent actually living in a Monastery.
We did our best to mimic their life in every way. We ate when they ate, prayed when they prayed and practiced many of their spiritual disciplines alongside of them including a day of silence.
The one monastic practice that I found most challenging initially and most rewarding later was that of meditation. Maybe it was the hour of silence at 6:00 in the morning however the first few days were torture. My greatest fear was that someone would catch me snoring. However, after the first few days, what had been torturous became a gift.
The simple practice of quietly meditating on God’s word, silencing everything else and simply listening became then a beautiful and treasured experience. Even now, a key piece of my message preparation is sitting in silent meditation and praying on God’s word.
Some of you reading this may be reacting right now. The current stigma of meditation is that it is a new age spiritualism and that it opens the door to demonic influences. Let me be crystal clear that the meditation I am speaking of is meditation on the Word of God alone and in prayer to Him. It is NOT the seeking of a spirit guide. It is NOT finding the center of myself or the god within. It IS silencing all else so that I might reflect on, pray to and glorify the One True God.
In fact, the Scriptures speak to this…
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. Joshua 1:8
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5
So, following the Spiritual Disciplines laid out thus far. Set up a routine and time. Enter into confession and repentance before God. And meditate on His word.
Here’s a quick link to the other Spiritual Disciplines.
Spiritual Disciplines (1 of 7) :: Spiritual Influence
