Encounters has recently embarked on the 12 Spiritual Disciplines Programme based on a book entitled Spiritual Classics published by Renovare group. The first discipline studied was “Meditation”.
The Author
The selected reading was by Joyce Huggett, an internationally known author, speaker and broadcaster, whose teaching focuses primarily on the application of language and communication in one’s prayer life.
What is Meditation?
In the selected reading Huggett explains the meaning of Meditation – contrary to the world’s perspective of meditation i.e. “emptying one’s minds”, the Christian meditation involves fullness. This means being completely attentive to God by engaging every part of our being to Him. Meditation requires stillness and involves repeating/reflecting in our minds biblical verses/thoughts and listening to Him.
Why Meditate?
To let the Word of God work in us – not partially in our minds but holistically in our emotions, our behaviours and in our heart. Secondly, we meditate to encounter the Living Word, Jesus himself – that in everything we do and feel has a purpose, that is, to honour and glorify Him. Thirdly, and may also be the most important reason is so that we become familiar with the Word, and therefore know His will.
How to Meditate?
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10. That is Step 1. Focus away our worries, troubles and the million thoughts in our minds and instead direct our focus onto God. In your own quiet time, or space (whether in the car driving home in one lane, or during your regular bio activity if you know what I mean), anywhere or time that you can find stillness.
Read a passage of the Scripture or your daily devotional book, or even recall a verse that you previously studied. We may find a passage or verse which draws you to it.
Using the same passage or verse, reflect on those words and like coffee beans in hot water (you’re the hot water), let the beans soak in until the true sense of aroma is experienced. You may not experience the first taste of the aroma immediately, it could take hours, days, months or even years, depending on depth of the subject matter and the individual. But that doesn’t mean you stop meditating and wait until you smell the aroma. Meditation is ongoing… a discipline that one practices on a daily basis.
Contemplation vs Meditation
Comparing Contemplation with Meditation, Huggett tells us that both are very similar – surrendering ourselves to God, listening and requires stillness. So then, what exactly is contemplation? Contemplation goes further and deeper than meditation. It is all about encountering God, His love, becoming aware of Him, letting God fill your thoughts as opposed to you controlling your thoughts and mind. More often than not, we structure our thoughts and mind, listing the prayer items before we even start to pray. Contemplation is letting God into that space. It is giving Him the opportunity to set the agenda for you.
Selected Verses to Meditate
Psalm 119:12-16, 23-34, 33-34, 58
The Author
The selected reading was by Joyce Huggett, an internationally known author, speaker and broadcaster, whose teaching focuses primarily on the application of language and communication in one’s prayer life.
What is Meditation?
In the selected reading Huggett explains the meaning of Meditation – contrary to the world’s perspective of meditation i.e. “emptying one’s minds”, the Christian meditation involves fullness. This means being completely attentive to God by engaging every part of our being to Him. Meditation requires stillness and involves repeating/reflecting in our minds biblical verses/thoughts and listening to Him.
Why Meditate?
To let the Word of God work in us – not partially in our minds but holistically in our emotions, our behaviours and in our heart. Secondly, we meditate to encounter the Living Word, Jesus himself – that in everything we do and feel has a purpose, that is, to honour and glorify Him. Thirdly, and may also be the most important reason is so that we become familiar with the Word, and therefore know His will.
How to Meditate?
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10. That is Step 1. Focus away our worries, troubles and the million thoughts in our minds and instead direct our focus onto God. In your own quiet time, or space (whether in the car driving home in one lane, or during your regular bio activity if you know what I mean), anywhere or time that you can find stillness.
Read a passage of the Scripture or your daily devotional book, or even recall a verse that you previously studied. We may find a passage or verse which draws you to it.
Using the same passage or verse, reflect on those words and like coffee beans in hot water (you’re the hot water), let the beans soak in until the true sense of aroma is experienced. You may not experience the first taste of the aroma immediately, it could take hours, days, months or even years, depending on depth of the subject matter and the individual. But that doesn’t mean you stop meditating and wait until you smell the aroma. Meditation is ongoing… a discipline that one practices on a daily basis.
Contemplation vs Meditation
Comparing Contemplation with Meditation, Huggett tells us that both are very similar – surrendering ourselves to God, listening and requires stillness. So then, what exactly is contemplation? Contemplation goes further and deeper than meditation. It is all about encountering God, His love, becoming aware of Him, letting God fill your thoughts as opposed to you controlling your thoughts and mind. More often than not, we structure our thoughts and mind, listing the prayer items before we even start to pray. Contemplation is letting God into that space. It is giving Him the opportunity to set the agenda for you.
Selected Verses to Meditate
Psalm 119:12-16, 23-34, 33-34, 58
1 comment:
Wow Jenny! Fantastic!! Thanks for putting in all the hard work..
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