Do you meditate? [Archive] - Christian Forums

rural_preacher

21st February 2006, 10:03 AM

meditate - to think deeply and continuously; reflect; muse; ponder

Psalm 46:10
""Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 1:1-2
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (the word "think" in this verse can also be translated "meditate").

What are your meditation practices?

How does your meditation differ from merely studying with an "academic" mindset?

What are some Scripture passages that are a particular focus for you in meditation?

Other than God's Word, on what do you meditate (see Phil. 4:8)?

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Andyman_1970

21st February 2006, 10:42 AM

Yes I try to meditate.

When the weather is warm, I'll usually get on my road bike and go for a 50-70 mile bike ride, the rhythm of the pedals helps me concentrate for some strange reason.

When I meditate sometimes a Scriptures comes to mind sometimes it doesn't, a lot of times I'll meditate on a passage I'll be teaching on........which every once in a while I'll get a "nugget" on that passage from meditating on it........sometimes I just meditate on Jesus and what He did, on how He blesses me, and on ways I can bless others.

mlqurgw

21st February 2006, 01:50 PM

When I am seeking a message from God I meditate on whatever passage has spoken to me. I try to always preach that which has blessed me and trust that it will also bless others. I do spend a great amount of time reading and studying in preperation but I often find that manna that has been gathered early often spoils ( as in no longer a blazing fire in my heart). I try to never preach from an intelectual standpoint. It is my desire to preach that which God has put on my heart and to speak from my heart to the heart of those who hear.

I often meditate on such things that always give me great comfort. One such passage is Ezek. 16: 1-6. I hope, by God's grace, to never get over the wonder of the Gospel.

Flynmonkie

21st February 2006, 02:45 PM

ALL the time it seems! How does God want me to handle this or that? How does God want me to act in this situation? How can I glorify Him? to What does God want me to learn from this? etc.. etc.. For many of the same reasons listed above. Clearing out all the noise of this world can be difficult, I still work at it at times. With a small child and a busy family, there is no set time. It could be anywhere and usually is - all the time.

SonOfThunder

21st February 2006, 05:09 PM

I'll usually get on my road bike and go for a 50-70 mile bike ride, the rhythm of the pedals helps me concentrate for some strange reason.

50-70 miles :D eeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk

I think I've driven past you while your MEDITATING, you may have been on the other side of the road at the time.

:P :P :P

James

Andyman_1970

21st February 2006, 05:58 PM

50-70 miles :D eeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk

Yeah that takes a good 4 to 5 hours..............it's awesome time I get to spend with God.

ZiSunka

21st February 2006, 06:46 PM

I often meditate on the word of God when I am gardening or doing the dishes. I seldom set aside time to sit and meditate, mostly because with my scedule, when I sit still, I fall asleep.

rural_preacher

21st February 2006, 07:11 PM

God's unfailing Love (Ps. 48:9)
His works and mighty deeds (Ps. 77:12)
His Word and His Way (Jesus is the Word and the Way) (Ps. 119:15; John 1:1 & 14; John 14:6)
His Wonders (Ps. 119:27)
His Promises (Ps. 119:148)
His Perfect Provision of our every need (Matthew 12:22-31)

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MrJim

21st February 2006, 07:55 PM

I'm afraid I'm a lot like Flynmonkie and LL. It's something done while doing something else. It's like a non-stop sort of conversation/program running in the back of my head.

I understand there is something called contemplation but don't know anything about it.

And often I'm called to mediate when I'd rather meditate but I usually end up needing to medicate.

ZiSunka

21st February 2006, 08:01 PM

And often I'm called to mediate when I'd rather meditate but I usually end up needing to medicate.

:D Little kids need so much from their daddy! Cherish the days.

rosemerry

21st February 2006, 11:29 PM

JPPT1974

21st February 2006, 11:59 PM

No really I sure don't!!

rural_preacher

22nd February 2006, 09:45 AM

And often I'm called to mediate when I'd rather meditate but I usually end up needing to medicate.

:D LOL
An unfortunate reality.

II Corinthians 12:9-10
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

A passage worth meditating on. ;)

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JPPT1974

22nd February 2006, 11:20 PM

Not at all my friends
Just don't believe in mediatating!

arunma

23rd February 2006, 01:39 AM

I don't meditate perse but I do think about what I read. I don't meditate as I used to meditate with my mom when she was a buddhist and now it makes me uncomfortable because those thoughts invade my mind.

It's important to note that the Christian understanding of meditation is very different from the Buddhist/Hindu understanding. The latter is replete with idolatry, but the Apostles did not command us to empty our minds or devote ourselves to false deities when we meditate.

As my pastor has explained it, meditation involves contemplating a passage of Scripture. This is different from studying the Bible; while study involves the use of more logical thinking, meditation is meant to be a more spiritual pursuit. I do not personally meditate on Scripture right now, but I am trying to build this into my religious practice. We must not let the followers of false religion scare us away from using the technique of mediation as God intends for us to do it. Right?

DeaconDean

23rd February 2006, 07:15 AM

Try reading "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard J. Foster. He has a good section on meditation.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." 1 Tim. 4:15

What does "meditate" mean? According to the KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon (#3191) it means:
Definition

to care for, attend to carefully, practise
to meditate i.e. to devise, contrive
used of the Greeks of the meditative pondering and the practice of orators and rhetoriciansNote: A link to the KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon is here: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/

rural_preacher

23rd February 2006, 10:13 AM

It's important to note that the Christian understanding of meditation is very different from the Buddhist/Hindu understanding. The latter is replete with idolatry, but the Apostles did not command us to empty our minds or devote ourselves to false deities when we meditate.

As my pastor has explained it, meditation involves contemplating a passage of Scripture. This is different from studying the Bible; while study involves the use of more logical thinking, meditation is meant to be a more spiritual pursuit. I do not personally meditate on Scripture right now, but I am trying to build this into my religious practice. We must not let the followers of false religion scare us away from using the technique of mediation as God intends for us to do it. Right?

Amen! Thanks for making that distinction. I have taught Bible studies on meditation several times and that is always how I start out...I explain Transcendental Meditation (TM) and other forms of meditation from eastern religions/philosophies and then show how Biblical meditation is different.

Emptying the mind (TM) vs. Mindfulness (Philippians 4:8)

I have found that there are a lot of Christians who have gotten caught up in the TM movement (including Yoga, etc.). You would think that after all these years of it being around, Christians would have an understanding that it is not right. But that just doesn't seem to be the case.

It goes right along with reincarnation. It has become common language for people to say "in my next life..." Even Christians use this phraseology.

Eastern philosophical thought (Zen, Taoism, etc.) has become very prevalent in Western thought and is subtlely influencing the Christian community.

That is all the more reason we need to learn to meditate on God and His Word and let Him fill our minds with His Truth for His Glory!

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Andyman_1970

23rd February 2006, 12:36 PM

If as Paul says for the follower of Jesus "do everything in the Name of Jesus" [paraphrase] how is emptying one's mind, reference the whole 1 Kings 19 deal with Elijah on the mountain, a "bad" thing?

Sungar

23rd February 2006, 01:19 PM

I meditate with journaling, it keeps me focused on God and talking with Him. I write Scriptures down and what God seems to be telling me to think about in that Scripture. This is the one He seems to keep me meditating on the most. Phillipians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about any thing, but in everything, by prayer and petition , with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

arunma

23rd February 2006, 01:32 PM

If as Paul says for the follower of Jesus "do everything in the Name of Jesus" [paraphrase] how is emptying one's mind, reference the whole 1 Kings 19 deal with Elijah on the mountain, a "bad" thing?

While I think it isn't particularly useful, emptying one's mind isn't instrinsically wrong. Can one empty his mind to the glory of Christ? I'm sure one can, just as one can eat dinner to the glory of Christ (or do any other mundane activity).

It is wrong to dedicate meditation to false deities or teachers, and Hindus and Buddhists do. What Rural Preacher has said is true (except that I wouldn't personally make any East/West distinction, as Christianity and idolatry have existed in both societies). Christians are increasingly turning to false, pagan religions and abandoning Jesus Christ. While our brothers in the East are abandoning this idolatry and working for the Gospel, Christians in America are increasingly practicing apostasy, probably because they see religions like Hinduism and Buddhism as exotic and intriguing. I hope we repent quickly.

Andyman_1970

23rd February 2006, 01:48 PM

It is wrong to dedicate meditation to false deities or teachers, and Hindus and Buddhists do.

I would agree.

Joykins

23rd February 2006, 02:37 PM

I am doing some meditative/contemplative prayer (the Jesus prayer) to help me focus on God.

I do also run memorized scripture through my head a lot.

rural_preacher

23rd February 2006, 02:42 PM

What Rural Preacher has said is true (except that I wouldn't personally make any East/West distinction, as Christianity and idolatry have existed in both societies).

You are very right! Celtic beliefs and traditions are a good example of paganism's history in the Western world. I have found there to be many similarities between Celtic beliefs and those of Eastern philosophies.

I have also noticed that many Americans are becoming increasingly enamored by such paganism.

I think the religious freedom we enjoy in America (thus the lack of persecution) is a big factor in American Christians being lazy about such things and being comfortable with blurring the lines between Biblical Christianity and paganism.

More passages worth meditating on...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3).

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" (Hebrews 13:3).

There are many in other countries suffering severe persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Through the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can suffer with them "to the praise of His glory".

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arunma

23rd February 2006, 03:01 PM

I think the religious freedom we enjoy in America (thus the lack of persecution) is a big factor in American Christians being lazy about such things and being comfortable with blurring the lines between Biblical Christianity and paganism.

Indeed. I doubt we'd often find a Chinese or Iranian Christian practicing Buddhist meditation. It seems to me that the faith of Jesus Christ is more valuable when one can be killed for possessing it. America is certainly in need of a spiritual revival.

Flynmonkie

23rd February 2006, 06:03 PM

While I think it isn't particularly useful, emptying one's mind isn't intrinsically wrong. Can one empty his mind to the glory of Christ? I'm sure one can, just as one can eat dinner to the glory of Christ (or do any other mundane activity).

I have to say that there are those times when I routinely DO HAVE to clear my mind. Find a quiet place and "clear out the noise" then focus on what God wants me to hear. (Not into yoga at all!)

Specifically, more recently I am going through a stage where my mind is screaming TMI, TMI! Like everything I am learning is piling up and needs organization (if that makes sense?) And it muddles up my thinking. I step back and clear it all out and refocus again, dispelling those things that are causing confusion

I cannot jump to the conclusion that a Christian is practicing paganistic ritual by "clearing their mind" before meditation on Gods word and thought.

rural_preacher

23rd February 2006, 06:18 PM

I have to say that there are those times when I routinely DO HAVE to clear my mind. Find a quiet place and "clear out the noise" then focus on what God wants me to hear. (Not into yoga at all!)

Specifically, more recently I am going through a stage where my mind is screaming TMI, TMI! Like everything I am learning is piling up and needs organization (if that makes sense?) And it muddles up my thinking. I step back and clear it all out and refocus again, dispelling those things that are causing confusion

I cannot jump to the conclusion that a Christian is practicing paganistic ritual by "clearing their mind" before meditation on Gods word and thought.

Amen!

I think clearing your mind to prepare it for the things of God is very different from the mind-emptying techniques of pagan meditation. Psalm 46:10 tells us "Be still, and know that I am God." There are definitely times that we need to remove all the distractions and "everything that hinders" (Heb. 12:1) and prayerfully seek communion with our Lord and Savior.

However, emptying the mind of thought without full, humble submission to Almighty God is like sending Satan an engraved invitation to use the mind as his playground. That is why we are admonished in First Peter 5:8 to "be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith."

I believe meditation that is centered on God and His Word is absolutely essential in the battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.

We need to be careful that we are not so open-minded that our brains fall out. :eek:

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arunma

23rd February 2006, 08:10 PM

I cannot jump to the conclusion that a Christian is practicing paganistic ritual by "clearing their mind" before meditation on Gods word and thought.

I agree, I certainly wouldn't do so either. Clearing one's mind isn't intrinsically wrong. The problem is that followers of pagan religions worship false deities as part of these mind-clearing rituals.

We need to be careful that we are not so open-minded that our brains fall out. :eek:

Indeed, we ought not to be open-minded to Buddhism or other such incorrect teachings. These pagan religions are evil, and no good can come of them.

ZiSunka

23rd February 2006, 09:35 PM

Clearing the mind and emptying the mind are two different things.

In clearing the mind, you block our distractions and think about the things of the Lord so you can be open to the still, small voice of God.

Hindus and others that practice transcendentalism don't just try to block out distractions, they empty themselves of any thought in an attempt to become vacant of any thought, sense or feeling so they can become one with the energy of the universe.

Quite a difference, listening to the voice of God and trying to become one with the energy of the universe.

JPPT1974

24th February 2006, 11:19 PM

Hindus and Muslims really take their mediations very seriously you know.

arunma

25th February 2006, 05:17 AM

Hindus and Muslims really take their mediations very seriously you know.

Trust me when I say that Hindu meditation is entirely human-centric. Even their so-called gods play little role, if any, in the meditation process. Many Hindus really think that this meditation will improve their health and finances. That they take such a futile effort seriously only means that we should pity this, and love them even more, so that they will stop committing idolatry.

Now as for the Muslims, I am not aware of any form of meditation which is part of the religion. It's possible that the Sufis do this, but Muslims seem to be more focused on scholarship and ritual prayer.

rural_preacher

25th February 2006, 11:37 AM

Trust me when I say that Hindu meditation is entirely human-centric ... Many Hindus really think that this meditation will improve their health and finances.

Colossians 3:1-3
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

This world is not my home, I'm just passin' through.

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BereanWarrior

25th February 2006, 09:37 PM

ZiSunka

25th February 2006, 10:02 PM

I think meditation and prayer go hand in hand. Many people feel we need to always get on our hands or knees to pray, or stop our present activity and pray. Prayer is much more than that, in fact its something to be done 24/7....

Amen. We live in the constant presence of God and have the ability to speak to him any time on any topic, whether it is a request, a praise, a problem or just wanting to spend "quality time" with Him. :)