Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Active Meditation














A psalmist wrote, Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. (Ps. 48:9 NIV)

The word meditate or meditation means different things to different people. Eastern religions promote passive meditation—emptying of the mind to receive outside impulses.

In contrast, Christian meditation is active. When we practice Christian meditation, nothing overrules our minds or our self-control. God never forces Himself.

Christian meditation could be defined as deep thought, studying, pondering, focused thinking—over an extended period of time.

But although Christian meditation is active, it is more than mental exercise. When we truly meditate, Scripture becomes personal. We may focus deeply on God—think deeply about any aspect of His person. We may have a specific question. We may become interested in a Biblical character. If, as a result of our thinking, God somehow reveals Himself so He is more real—more vital—we are meditating.

Originally published June 6, 1986.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

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