I have learnt that Biblical meditation is a life changing principle in ‘Ministry with Purpose’! It takes time and discipline but meditation is a major key for fruitfulness and longevity in ministry. The world and church fights against this by encouraging relentless activity. Stand against that.
Bible Perspective
‘May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ Psalm 19:14.
Meaning: It is a prayerful reflection where you ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your understanding of Scripture with the outcome of knowing Jesus more intimately.
How it is done: Slow down your thinking process by sitting or walking in a quiet place. Ask God to speak to you as you ponder over Scriptures. You may want to read Scriptures out loud softly, dwell on a word, thought or picture that comes to mind. You may also want to journal your thoughts and share them with others if appropriate. Do this on a daily basis for as long as you are able.
A useful approach
The now deceased Principal Morling of a theological college taught us years ago about the importance of meditating daily on the attributes of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit even though many of the attributes are shared equally among the Godhead. Here are some reflections I meditate on in the morning by taking a few attributes at a time.
- The Father:
Mighty Ps 24:8, loving Ps 25:10. Faithful Ps 25:10, good Ps 17:1, Love Ps 118:1, merciful, compassionate, righteous, welcoming father Lk 15:20, just Is 5:16, holy 1 Sam 2:2, comforter 2 Cor 1:3.
2. Jesus Christ:
King Rev 17:14, forgiver 1 Jn 1:9, defeater of demons at the cross Col 2:15, deliverer 2 Cor 1:10, victor 1 Cor 15:57, healer Is 53:5, is the truth Jn14:6, the vine Jn15:5, the giver of fruit Jn15:6, giver of joy Jn:11, burden bearer Matt 11:29, protector 2 Thess 3:3, the light Jn1:8, creator Col 1:16, wisdom and knowledge Col 2:3.
3. The Holy Spirit:
Teacher (Counsellor) Jn 14:26, helper Jn 16:7, giver of gifts 1 Cor 12:1, anointer 1 Jn 2:27, giver of the fruits Gal 5:22, empower Acts 2:4, guider of directions and decisions Jn 16:13.
Some outcomes of meditation:
‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Cor 3:18.
‘Those who look to him are radiant’ Ps 34:5
‘They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.’ Ps 36:8.
How amazing is that!
Resources
Celebration of discipline by Richard Foster
A testament of devotion by Thomas Kelly
Practice the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
The lost art of meditation by Sheila Pritchard
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