Teaching Biblical Meditation

Glassy stares, monotonous chants, and the fragrance of burning incense—these are images that often come to mind when we hear the word meditation. Such negative associations have discouraged many from pursuing something the Bible exhorts us to do.

If you'd like to teach the person you're discipling how to meditate on Scripture, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Benefits. Teach the scriptural benefits of meditation on God's Word: success and prosperity (Josh. 1:8), fruitfulness (Ps. 1:1–3), joy (Ps. 63:1–6), victory over sin (Ps. 119:11), and wisdom and insight (Ps. 119:98–99).

Uniqueness. Point out the fundamental difference between biblical meditation and the meditation associated with Eastern mysticism. The latter entails emptying the mind. Biblical meditation involves filling the mind with scriptures that point to God.

Logistics. Encourage them to find a set time to meditate—during morning quiet times, perhaps, or when drifting off to sleep at night. Make sure they start small—just a minute or two in the beginning, then a gradual increase.

Preparation. Teach them that meditation begins with asking God to guard their hearts and minds from any images that are not from Him. Confession and repentance of known sins should follow. To rein in wandering minds, they should ask God to help them focus on Him and His Word.

Example. Make quiet reflection a part of the time you spend with the person you're discipling. This will encourage the disciple who is hesitant to try meditation on his or her own.

Method. Some people find it helpful to write a verse in their own words. Others use Scripture songs as springboards to meditation. In her book From the Heart of a Woman (NavPress, out of print), Carole Mayhall suggests using the letters AEIOU for systematic meditation. For example, if you were meditating on the verse "The Lord is my shepherd" (Ps. 23:1), you would:

Ask questions. (What is the function of a shepherd? In what way is the Lord my shepherd?)

Emphasize words. (The Lord is my shepherd. Not a Lord, but the Lord—the only true God.)

Illustrate. (Draw a picture of the verse or link it with a story you've heard.)

Other scriptures. (What else does the Bible say about this?)

Use. (How can I apply this verse to my life?)

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Rebecca Livermore is a speaker and freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To learn more about her ministry, and to read her articles on spiritual disciplines, visit www.rebeccalivermore.com. This article may be freely printed as long as it is printed in its entirety and includes this bio, with all links active.