Meditation is a great way to practice self-care, however, for many Christians, confusion about meditation leads to misconceptions. These misconceptions lead to many missing out on an amazing way to connect with God and to grow in your Christian Journey.
In an effort to learn more about how to do Christian meditation, I asked my friend Lori from Triune Loves me to share her beautiful experience with meditation with me. After an amazing conversation with her I had to have her share with Undoubted Grace. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide of Christian Meditation and Lori’s Story of how meditating has helped her growth in her walk with God. Be sure to read to the end for additional resources on Christian meditation.
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What is Christian Meditation?
At its core meditation is simply focused thinking. It is intentionally repeating, replaying, or thinking about a particular thought. While it may feel like this generalized definition doesn’t line up with our beliefs as Christians if we look at what God says about meditation we can see just how relevant and important it is for our faith. Joshua 1:8 says:
“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.”
What if the hectic striving that describes our lives is a result of our lack of knowledge of what God’s word says about rest. If a lack of knowledge is the reason for our tiredness, then meditating on scriptures about rest is the remedy.
What Happens when we meditate on God’s word?
When we meditate on God’s word our mind is transformed. The truth that we live by is replaced with the truth of the word of God and our lives become more stable. Knowing God’s word intimately allows us to be more sensitive to the holy spirit! This sensitivity allows us to more readily see God’s goodness in our life which in turn increases our faith. Increased faith from meditating on scriptures about rest and trusting in God creates an atmosphere where we don’t have to stress or worry. This is relaxation!
How to meditate on Gods word
There are several methods to use to meditate on God’s word. You can write out each scripture in your faith journal or sticky notes that you place around the house (I do this for my son to keep positive truths surrounding him wherever he is.
You can also create memory cards of the verses that you can keep in your wallet and read while you are out and about during your day.
No matter the method of recording the scriptures about rest you choose, to meditate simply select a scripture for your time of focused thinking and dwell on the words of the verse. Allow the words to wash over you and listen for the holy spirits whisper. God will meet you in your time of intentional mediation on his word and will give you the sweet peace and relaxation you need.
How meditation helped one woman grow her faith in God
by Lori Garner
Meditation is such a controversial word and activity within the Christian circles. There are so many opinions, so many different styles. How does one start this practice? And why would you want to?
I do not claim to be an expert on this subject. However, I can share my thoughts, and experience with this Spiritual gem. Until two years ago when someone spoke of meditation my mind would drift to a person sitting in a pretzel formation, palms up resting at the knee, chanting some utterance of something I had no clue what was being said.
How did you get started with Christian Meditation?
Two years ago on a casual summer day in May while driving I had a significant Holy Spirit encounter. At the time I had no religious background and nor was I looking for one. I was so naive l did not even realize at the time it was the Holy Spirit. I arrived home shortly after filled with a love that I could not describe. I had difficulty sleeping, I could not stop thinking about what had just happened.
The next morning my husband went to work at 5 am. I had never meditated before this moment. I woke up at 5:30, sat in my lazy boy recliner, laid back listening to music in my earbuds. I closed my eyes relaxed and I was swept away.
I stayed there speaking to God until night fell? To this day I can’t quite explain it, but it was intensely amazing. And from that moment I began my search for more information on this amazing spiritual connection with God. Like many of us when we need information, I went straight to YouTube. Lol.
I began to set the stage each day for these times to seek God or Jesus. I was searching for and sharing my practice with others, some listened. and some told me I should speak to my pastor because meditation is not something that we should practice.
Finally, a dear friend challenged me, she said tell me where you see meditation in the Bible. I love a challenge. We found several scriptures not only advising us that it is ok to meditate but telling us to meditate day and night. 😁
How do you practice meditation as a Christian?
As I stated earlier, I am not a meditation instructor. However, I can share the steps that have given me amazing results.
- A comfortable chair or place to lay down or sit.
- I burn incense or a candle for relaxing aroma (my favorite is frankincense)
- Music has played a significant role in my practice. I have worked with guided meditations, but music that speaks to my soul works quite well. I feel this is subjunctive to each person’s genre preferences. (Ear buds will enhance the experience)
- Once I lay back, I close my eyes. I begin to relax and pray. I invite Jesus and or I search for Him in my prayer dialog. When I drift to the sweet spot just before I go to sleep. I see Him and some of the most amazing stories have unfolded. He brings love, He brings peace, and some meditations have given me answers to issues that perhaps I have been wrestling with. It’s a practice of communicating with the Trinity, and it can fill your heart and soothe your soul.
Some may still feel this practice does not align with God’s word. I will leave you with a Scripture. However, it’s been my experience if I am edifying God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. with my actions I must be on the right track. So, I will continue this practice until He tells me to stop. Because I plan on chasing my Triune loves for eternity.
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on its day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Meditating Christian Resources
If you are interested in learning more about meditation as a Christian there are a few resources that will help you learn more about this discipline and start your own practice of meditating on God’s word and experiencing his presence.
Christian meditation apps
One great resource to help you start with Christian meditation is to use a Christian meditation app. Christian meditation apps generally guide your thoughts through a scripture and bring awareness to God’s intention for certain topics. Two apps that I have both used and enjoy are Abide and Soultime.
- Abide App – This Christian meditation app Offers guided prayers and meditations on a range of topics
- Soultime – Guided meditations use scripture to help reduce anxiety, encourage sleep, and improve confidence
- Youtube – This is what Lori uses for her meditation time
- Youversion – The Bible App
Books to learn more about how to do christian meditation
With anything we are learning more about, our first step is the bible! Check out your concordance and see exactly what God says about meditating! You can also check out these books:
1. Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus
Transforming Your Thought Life offers a new way to look at Christian meditation as it discusses using changing the way we think and combating the barrage of negative thoughts that we are constantly dealing with. This book offers guided meditations and personal examples to help train your mind to remain grounded in the word of God.
2. One Breath at a time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation
For anyone who has wondered how meditation fits into Christianity, but not dared to dive into actually learning for fear or skepticism, this book is for you. It reframes meditation for many who doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice and those who doubt their ability to be still. One Breath at a Time challenges the prayer habits of Christians that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.
Do you have experience with Christian meditation? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!