The Mystic
Biblical Meditation and Contemplation: Finding Solace and Spirituality in Scripture​
Meditation, a practice as ancient as civilization itself, is central to many spiritual traditions worldwide, including Christianity. While some may perceive meditation as a largely Eastern practice, there is a rich tradition of meditation inspired by the Bible. This article will explore various meditation techniques drawing inspiration from biblical verses or stories and provide a guide on how to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine.
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All of these meditation and contemplation techniques have been explored in more detail under some of the other headings on this website. They are listed here for integration purposes and for the benefit of providing a summary of techniques for Biblical Meditation and Contemplation.
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What is Biblical Meditation?
In the Christian context, meditation refers to a thoughtful focus and contemplation on God's word as revealed in the Scriptures. Unlike Eastern meditation, which often involves emptying the mind, Biblical meditation involves filling the mind with God's word. This technique promotes spiritual growth, a greater understanding of the Scriptures, and a closer relationship with God.
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Technique 1: Scripture Meditation
Scripture meditation is a simple yet profound practice. It involves selecting a verse or a passage from the Bible and focusing your mind upon it.
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Step-by-step guide:
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Select a verse or a passage: Pick a verse or passage that resonates with you. This could be a favorite passage or a piece of scripture that you want to understand better.
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Read the verse out loud: This helps to focus your attention and engage multiple senses.
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Contemplate the verse: Consider what the verse means, pondering each word and phrase. Try to visualize the situation or the message it conveys.
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Pray and Reflect: Speak to God about your reflections on the verse and listen for His guidance. Conclude your meditation with a prayer of gratitude for His word.
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Repeat daily: Incorporate this practice into your daily routine, perhaps in the morning to start your day or in the evening to wind down.
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Technique 2: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or "Divine Reading", is an ancient method of meditating on the Scriptures. It involves reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation, intended to promote communion with God.
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Step-by-step guide:
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Choose a scripture passage: Start with a shorter passage, so you can focus on each word.
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Read (Lectio): Read the scripture slowly, aloud if possible, savoring each word and phrase.
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Meditate (Meditatio): Reflect on the text, allowing it to speak to your heart. Let your thoughts naturally connect the scripture to your life.
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Pray (Oratio): Engage in a personal dialogue with God, responding to the insights gained during meditation.
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Contemplate (Contemplatio): Rest in the presence of God, not seeking to analyze but simply experiencing His presence.
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Live (Actio): Carry the fruit of this meditation into your daily life and actions.
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Technique 3: Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer, or Christian Contemplation, is a form of prayer that focuses on experiencing the presence of God. It often involves silent, non-verbal prayer and a deep focus on a biblical story or the person of Jesus.
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Step-by-step guide:
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Choose a quiet location: Find a place where you can be alone and undisturbed.
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Relax and focus: Close your eyes, relax your body, and focus on your breath. This will help prepare your mind for prayer.
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Choose a biblical story or a word: This could be a story from the Gospels, a parable, or a single word such as "peace" or "love".
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Contemplate: Visualize the story, or consider what the word means to you in your relationship with God. Try to place yourself in the biblical scene or understand the essence of the word.
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Embrace silence: If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your chosen story or word. Embrace the silence and allow yourself to be present in the moment. 6. End with gratitude: After your contemplation, end your meditation with a word of gratitude to God for His presence.
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Technique 4: Centering Prayer
Centering prayer, a method popularized by Thomas Keating and other Trappist monks is a practice of consenting to God's presence and action within. It draws on the wisdom of the early Christian contemplatives, using a 'sacred word' as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence.
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Step-by-step guide:
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Choose a sacred word: This word is a symbol that expresses your intention to consent to God's presence. The word could be "God," "Love," "Peace," "Grace," or a biblical term that resonates with you.
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Find a quiet spot: Settle comfortably, close your eyes, and silently introduce your sacred word.
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Maintain the stillness: When engaged with your thoughts, return gently to your sacred word. The aim is not to avoid thoughts but to let them pass, continually returning your focus to your sacred word.
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Rest in God's presence: At the end of the prayer time, remain in silence for a couple of minutes before resuming your regular activities.
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Each of these techniques offers unique ways to meditate on God's word. Whether you prefer the focused reflection of Scripture meditation, the deeper understanding offered by Lectio Divina, the experiential contemplation of Contemplative Prayer, or the intimate silence of Centering Prayer, the goal is to deepen your relationship with God and cultivate an understanding of His word.
To incorporate these into your daily routine, you might start by setting aside a specific time each day for meditation. You could also integrate these practices into existing routines—for instance, meditating on a Bible verse while drinking your morning coffee or performing Centering Prayer before bed.
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Meditation techniques inspired by the Bible can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth. They offer a way to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with your faith. Regardless of the technique you choose, the most important thing is the intention behind it—to grow closer to God and to reflect His love in your daily life.
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