When you hear the word meditation, images of yogis sitting crossed-legged with closed eyes and a far-off look on their faces may come to mind. But mediation isn’t a practice exclusive to yogis. Scripture is full of references about meditating on God’s word, character, precepts, or laws. Yet, the practice still seems mysterious or unfamiliar to many Christians. Learning to do Christian meditation is a tool that honors God, fulfills his commands, and greatly benefits your faith.

Biblical Roots of Meditation

In the Old Testament, we find two main root words translated as meditate or meditation: hagah and siyach. These words convey a meaning of a solemn sound, musing, to put forth, mediate, speak, ponder, sing, growl, groan, and imagine. From the New Testament, we find one root word, meletān, meaning to care for, practice, devote to, give complete attention to, and to ponder.

Christian Meditation vs. Yoga Meditation 

In yoga, meditation is about clearing your mind of all distractions. Practitioners use breathwork and the physical practice of yoga to help prepare their body and mind for meditation. The goal is to enter a state of blissful detachment, where the mind is empty and unburdened. It’s a way of merging with what yogis call the divine or universal consciousness.

This type of meditation is very different from the meditation found throughout scripture. Christian meditation involves deeply engaging with the word, communing with God, and allowing His truth to permeate every facet of our being.

Examples of Mediation Found In Scripture

The Bible is replete with references to meditation, showcasing its significance in the life of a believer. Here are a few of my favorite verses on meditation:

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 good success.

Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 77:12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Psalm 145:5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

Practical Steps

So, how can we practically incorporate Christian meditation into our daily lives? Here are some suggestions to help you begin your meditation practice.

Set Aside Space: Find a quiet spot in your home or community to retreat for uninterrupted reflection. Create an atmosphere conducive to meditation where you will be undisturbed.

Do A Brain Dump: Before you start meditating on God’s word, it’s a good idea to have a notepad with you to jot down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind. If you find yourself distracted by things like to-do lists, write them down quickly to move past them and refocus on the meditation. This way, you won’t forget anything important and can return to them later.

Begin with Prayer: Before delving into Scripture, offer a heartfelt prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your meditation and open your heart and mind to receive wisdom and revelation.

Select a Passage of Scripture: Choose a Bible verse or passage. You can choose one from your Bible reading plan, pick a favorite verse that resonates with you, or focus on a verse that addresses a specific need or concern.

Use A Journal: Record your thoughts, insights, and prayers during your meditation in a journal. Reflecting on your experiences can deepen your understanding of scripture and track your spiritual growth.

Read, Reflect, Repeat: Read the chosen passage slowly and attentively, allowing the words to sink deep into your soul. Reflect on the meaning and significance of the passage, pondering how it applies to your life.

Be Consistent: Cultivate a regular meditation habit by setting aside dedicated time each day or week to commune with God. Consistency is critical to adopting this sacred practice.

Ways to Meditate

Beyond reading, reflecting, and repeating several go-to meditation methods can help you. Here are a few to try:

Meditate on God’s Attributes: Meditate on God’s character revealed in your chosen Scripture passage — His love, mercy, faithfulness, sovereignty, etc. Contemplate His goodness and faithfulness in your life, expressing gratitude for His blessings.

Engage the Senses: Engage your senses in meditation by incorporating elements like visualization, walking, essential oils, prayer, singing, or repetitive phrases. Allow the sensory experience to deepen your connection with God and His Word.

Lectio Divina: This is an ancient form of meditation that includes a four-step process to reflect on scripture. Begin by reading a passage slowly and thoroughly, you may even want to read it in multiple different versions. Then, begin to ponder the passage. This is a deep, unhurried contemplation. Focus on anything that sticks out, memorize the verse, look up definitions of words or context you may not know, and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This step can include anything that helps you focus on the passage. Step three is to pray. Respond to what you’ve learned in prayer. This practice concludes with rest. Take several minutes of silence to enjoy being in the presence of God.

Rewrite the Verse In Your Own Words: This doesn’t need to be an eloquent or perfect translation. It’s just a method to ensure you understand the passage.

Do a Word Study: Pick and study a word or two from the passage. Use free resources like a Strong Concordance or Blue Letter Bible for other ways the word could be translated. Read other verses of scripture that emphasize the same truth or subject.

Breath Prayer: Summarize the scripture in a breath prayer. Say a word or phrase with your inhale and another word or phrase with your exhale. Sit in stillness as you repeat this breath prayer for several minutes.

Application: Write out how you can apply this verse to your life. Identify how and with whom you can share what you have learned. Repent of anything that this scripture has pointed out in your life.

No matter what method of meditation you employ, consider closing with gratitude and prayer. Thank God for his word, what you’ve learned, any truths revealed to you, and for the grace and forgiveness He extends.

In a world filled with noise and chaos, carving out moments of reflection becomes indispensable for nurturing our faith and well-being. Remember, meditation is not about striving for perfection or achieving a particular state of mind but rather about opening your heart to receive God’s grace and allowing His Word to transform you from the inside out.