What is meant by Bible Meditation.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY SERIES.

What is meant by Bible Meditation?

Bible meditation is one of the means of approaching God’s Word.  It is different from meditation in that the latter (depending on its style) is an emptying of the mind and heart to allow the things of God to enter, whereas the former is the immersion of the mind in Scripture.  As a passage of Scripture is read, the person dwells and reflects on it allowing God to speak to him/her through it.

The Oxford Dictionary describes meditation as “ 1. Act of meditating, especially close or continued thought; 2. A form of private devotion consisting of deep continued reflection on some religious theme”. Using this definition then and applying it to Bible meditation, the concept of continuance is important in that we allow the Scripture to take root within us and dwell or ponder inwardly on it.

Suggested steps which may aid Bible meditation include:

1.     1.  Memorisation: of a section of Scripture.
2.      Creation of a personal prayer using the memorized Scripture.
3.      Repetition of the Scripture passage using emphasis of different words on each  
   occurrence.
4.      Visualization of the significance of each word.
5.      Further repetition of the passage allowing enough time to ponder / savour the  
   meaning of each word.
6.      Resting/sitting with the words allowing them to take root in the mind/ heart and   
   emotions.
7.      Discussion with God regarding the passage.
8.      Further reflection on the words to discern personal application.
9.      Possessing a spirit of  expectancy that God will give the reader  new insight and use appropriate in times when decisions need to be made. 

    10 Use appropriate in times when decisions need to be made.

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The steps suggested to aid the process of meditation have a well-designed structure and may be quite useful. However, it is important to remember it is only there as a means not an end.  The memorization of Scripture and reflection on it is one of many tools in ministry.  Above all, the quality of the communication with God is most vital.  Different tools may help enhance our prayer life.  We need to be open to explore which ‘tools’ God is inviting us to use in our life’s situation. 

By trialling this suggested method and experimenting with each step, I hope it will enhance my own bible meditation. Keep you posted. Why not trial it yourself and share your experience?