Why Christians Should Practice Meditation

Christian meditation, sometimes referred to as contemplative prayer, is setting aside time to dwell in silence and solitude and focus entirely on God and his word. Listening to a guided meditation or silently repeating a mantra (biblical word, phrase, or scripture which quiets the mind) are the most common methods Christians use to meditate today. More and more Christians are turning to Christian meditation as a way to detaching from the world, restore their peace of mind, and develop greater intimacy with Christ.

Why Christians Should Meditate
Numerous studies prove that mindful meditation reduces stress and improves 90% of all diseases. But in addition to its physical benefits, faith-based meditation possesses many spiritual benefits as well, especially for Christians. Three of the greatest spiritual benefits of Christian meditation are a deeper our relationship God, control over unhealthy thoughts, and mental health and emotional well-being.:

Christian Meditation Deepens Our Relationship with Christ
The Psalms 46:10 tells us to “be still and know that I am God. In order to know God we need to spend time with him.” The more time we spend in God’s word and abide in his presence, the more we take on his character and likeness. In Luke 19, when Jesus went to Zaccheaus, the tax collector's home, it is said that Zacchaeus told Jesus as a result of his visit, "If I has wronged or cheated anyone I will repay them back with interest." When we dwell in God's presence we are changed.

When Mary and Martha had Jesus over as a dinner guest, Martha became upset when Mary wasn't helping her with the preparations. Jesus told Martha to let go of her cares, and follow after Mary’s example, to dwell at his side. Christian meditation allows us to dwell and linger in God’s presence. The Bible tells us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy. We become “one” with God’s Spirit just as Jesus expressed, “my Father and I are one.”

Christian Meditation Helps Us Eliminate Negative Thoughts
Ephesians Chapter 6 admonishes us to cast down every fiery dart that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into the obedience of Christ. Christian meditation helps us to still our minds so that we can observe our subtle or unconscious thoughts. If we are not controlling our thoughts, then our thoughts are controlling us. Many people live unconsciously or by mental default. The same mental script plays over and over again in their minds. They never examine their internal dialogue and live by reaction instead of purposefully. Christian meditation can help you to observe the mental chatter in your mind so that you can eliminate and replace them with God’s word and rise above lower level thoughts and emotions.

Christian Meditation Promotes Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Just like we rest and cleanse our outer and inner bodies, our minds also need consistent rest and solitude. Without mental rest we become overwhelmed by the worries and the cares of our lives. We need to mentally detoxify from all the mental clutter, stimulation, and information we’re constantly bombarded with. It is during times of quietness, stillness, and reflection that we're in the best position to hear and commune with God. During biblical meditation we learn to surrender every situation to God. In return, we receive that peace that passes all understanding. We release the stress and many toxic emotions that interfere with our peace of mind.

What Does the Bible Say About Christian Meditation?
Joshua chapter 1: 8 encourages us to meditate on God’s word day and night. Psalms chapter 4: 4 persuades us, “When you are in your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” David desired in Psalms 104: 34, that his “meditations be pleasing to the Lord.” Isaiah declared in Chapter 50:4, "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Moses spent 40 days on the mountain abiding and learning from God (Exodus 34-35). Paul received revelation and saw visions from heaven (2 Corinthians 12). John wrote visions that are recorded in the book of Revelations.

I believe that is was during times of biblical meditation that the disciples and prophets received many of their visions and revelations from God. The Bible says even Jesus spent hours alone with God daily (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). Our greatest inspirations and truths come during times of quietness, stillness, openness, and reflection- all components of Christian meditation.