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WELCOME TO ONELIFE MINISTRIES! I INVITE YOU TO SHARE PRAYER REQUESTS AT THE EMAIIL ADDRESS GIVEN AT THE CONCLUSION OF TODAY'S WRITING.
The Bible speaks of meditation often. This might surprise many persons, seeing widespread fear of "meditation" as being demonic or un-Christian is from sources other than Christian. Many seem to assume Christian meditation derives from other religions.
In Joshua 1:8, Scripture has God saying to Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law, the divine Teachings, as an habitual, daily practice...
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
*Joshua 1.8, ESV
The success of the leader Joshua is linked to meditation. Such meditation is joined with obedience: "so that you may be careful to do."
What if Christian leaders saw such a link between meditation on Scripture and blessing in spiritual leadership: "then you will make your way prosperous ... then you will have good success"?
Psalm 1.2 speaks of meditation on the divine Teaching. The meditation evidences a "delight" in the Teaching.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
*Psalm 1.2, NLT
The Psalmist rejoices in his practice of meditation. This reveals love for the sacred Writings.
Oh how I love your law (Teaching)!
It is my meditation all the day.
In the Old Testament there are two primary Hebrew words for meditation: haga, "to utter, groan, meditate, ponder; sihach, "to muse, rehearse in one's mind, contemplate."
A means of Christian meditation used since at least the fourth century CE is Lectio Divina: "sacred reading." There are many books and websites for you to explore this practice. The stages are, as follows, in one form:
1) Reading - Slowly read a passage of Scripture or another sacred reading, preferably through a few times.
2) Meditation - Reflect prayerfully on something that speaks to you from the reading.
3) Prayer - Pray about what you discern applies to you.
4) Contemplation - Rest in the Presence of Love, of God.
A meditation I frequently use is what could be called Prayerful Reflection on Scripture. I close my eyes. I pass a Scripture through my mind. I remain open to its meaning for my life; I let myself feel the meaning of the content. I can stop at any point and pray about something that arises to me.
Meditation, in the above senses, is not contemplation. Yet, the two can intermingle in one prayer time: meditation flowing into contemplation and the latter leading back to meditation.
The immediacy of Divine Presence is the Holy Spirit. Recall, Jesus taught the Spirit would lead us into all truth. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. Meditation is a way to learn better to listen to this inner Teacher.
There are many voices clamoring for our attention. We need to listen to the One Voice. Otherwise, we will never be free from the cacophony of the many voices demanding attention. And when we are more sensitive to the Spirit's Voice, we become more sensitive to discern the other voices as to genuineness and intent. We gain inner discernment. Our lives are too precious and sacred to be driven by lesser voices.
I offer the following prayer to the Sacred Spirit, as a prelude to your doing Scripture meditation. Read the prayer and give some time to meditating, using the Sacred Reading or Prayerful Meditation on Scripture, or another meditation practice of your choice.
Holy Spirit, You are my inner Teacher. You are within me. Enlighten me, inspire me. Make me receptive to whatever You would say to me. Give me wisdom and courage to obey, for I delight in the living Word.
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1) Do you delight in spiritual teaching? Explain.
2) How would you describe your relationship with the Bible?
3) Do you meditate? If so, how does your practice shape your life?
4) If you do not meditate, would you consider a daily practice of Scripture meditation?
5) How might you discern when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? Explain.
6) Would you expect a spiritual leader to meditate habitually? Why? Why not?
7) Is it helpful for Christians to meditate on diverse sources for inspiration, beyond just the Bible? Explain.
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*For submission of prayer requests, write to Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*The meaning of Hebrew words on meditation is from http://www.allaboutgod.com/christian-meditation.htm .
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
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