Christian Meditation Techniques

My posting on Christian Meditation, surprisingly, attracted a lot of attention especially from readers in Asia. They have been asking me to provide more information on the techniques employed by Christians for meditation. One reader sums up her curiosity by saying "meditation conjures an image of a bald guy, closed eyes, wearing loose clothing (or even a robe) and sitting with their legs crossed." Well, I replied her that except for the preferred technique of sitting with legs crossed and eyes closed, shaving her head and wearing loose clothing or a robe is pretty much optional.

Anyway, here is one of the best articles I found on the technique of Christian meditation. Feel free to share if there are other techniques out there which you feel is better.

Credits to Chris Matier for his article "Developing Christian Meditation Techniques: Practicing Intentional Worship".

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Many Christians shy away from the term and techniques of meditation. To many, meditation brings to mind images of Eastern mysticism, yoga or transcendentalism. Unfortunately, that rigid thinking is driving many Christians away from a practice that can sincerely and honestly deepen their relationship with God; that practice is Christian meditation.

Instead of a definition rooted in mysticism, I offer this definition, taken from Webster's Dictionary: "Meditate: to engage in contemplation or reflection; to focus one's thoughts on; reflect on or ponder over." Based on this definition, practicing Christian meditation techniques has a place in the daily practice of Christians. Christian meditation is to actively engage or reflect on either the Word of God and your relationship with God.

Both modern and traditional Christian leaders have advocated Christian meditation techniques as practices for deepening a relationship with God. Rick Warren, leader of Saddleback church in Lake Forest, California, and author of The Purpose Driven Life says this about Christian meditation: "No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture." Warren also said "you look up all the times God speaks about meditation in the Bible, you will amazed at the benefits He has promised to those who take the time to reflect on His Word throughout the day" (190) Saint St. Theresa of Avila, born in 1515 also advocated for daily Christian Meditation, and went so far as to develop a systematic, intentional system for the practice of Christian meditation techniques.

"his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:2)

St. Theresa of Avila's Christian meditation techniques were developed hundreds of years ago, but her systematic process is very relevant today. The techniques of St. Theresa of Avila focused on five intentional and planned steps. These steps are:

Ready yourself. Completely surrender to God. Prepare yourself physically and mentally to communicate with God. During this phase of Christian meditation, you should ask Jesus to be present with you, and help you focus on Him and His word alone. During this phase, Pastor Alan Kraft of Christ Community Church in Greeley, Colorado encourages one to physically set an empty chair out, and imagine Christ sitting there, waiting for a conversation.

Read the Word. Meditation is to focus thoughts. The object of Christian meditation techniques it to focus your mind on the Word of God. You can select material that is weighing heavy on your heart, you can read from a daily devotional, or a One-Year Bible. Read the passage deliberately and intentionally, and let the Word settle into your heart.

Reflect on the word. Take time to reflect heavily on what you have read. Is there any part that resonates on your heart? Do you feel the Lord calling your attention to any particular word or phrase? The purpose of Christian meditation techniques is to initiate a conversation with Christ, so speak to the Lord about the passage.

Converse with God. This is the heart of the Christian meditation technique. Open up to the Lord, he knows your heart, so speak it to Him. This conversation, if sincere, will be a heart-to-heart, soul-searching discussion. Share your love of Christ, thank Him for your blessings, declare your faith, repent, and forgive. Physically imagine and feel the presence of the Lord. Ask him to guide you through your daily reading, and reflect on the words or images that come to mind. Ask Christ to be with you throughout your day, and remind yourself that, in fact, He will be.

Conclude and resolve. Reflect on the quality of the conversation that you just had and thank the Lord for your time together. Deliberately set a date or a time for your next meditation, and ask the Lord to join you then as well. If you feel energized or charged from the conversation, thank Him for the boost, or if you feel challenged or burdened, thank Him for exposing that part of you that you are being asked to challenge. As your deepening relationship with Jesus grows, resolve to meeting Him and meditating on His word more often.

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

Christian meditation techniques are a tool that can help you deepen your relationship with God, and increase your understanding of His Word. It is a very deep practice of worship that can help to shut out all distractions and seek the Lord in open, honest, and humble prayer. You can practice Christian meditation techniques any time. You can meditate early in the morning, to focus your day, midday to recharge or refocus your mind, or at the end of the day to reflect and learn from your day. Whenever you choose, seek Jesus with an intimate and passionate quietness. Learn to be still and know God.

----------------------------------------------

See my previous posts: http://spiritualvillage.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-is-christian-meditation-different.html