How to Meditate: The Christian Way
In my last article, we talked about whether Christians could or should participate in meditation. If you haven’t read that post, I highly recommend you look into it by clicking here. In this article, we’re going to go over how a Christian can meditate.
If you’re new to the faith or you’ve never meditated before, this might sound like a strange activity, but don’t worry, meditation is something that dates back to the Old Testament. You can find numerous scriptures throughout the Bible where the Lord encourages us to meditate, or even scriptures detailing how some of our favorite Biblical figures meditated on the Word of the Lord.
How can meditation be beneficial for a Christian?
When you really think about it, the real question is, how could meditation not be beneficial for Christians?
When you are meditating on God’s Word, you are wholly and completed focused on Him and His Words and His faithfulness, His mercy, His goodness, His grace, etc… the list could go on for an eternity. Your mind is filled with wonderful thoughts and beautiful ideas. You aren’t thinking about the negative things of the world. When you meditate on God, you are focused on the One who can solve all your problems, not on the issues themselves.
This is how you plant seeds of faith in your heart. This is how you open yourself to the Lord, to allow your mind to be clear enough to hear that still voice.
But … How do you do that?
I’ll tell you right now, meditation is different for everyone. Some people like to use music, playing or singing their favorite hymn in fellowship with the Lord. Some might prefer to be in a quiet atmosphere, simply sitting the presence of God in your prayer closet. You might enjoy meditation by whispering a scripture, memorizing it, and repeating the phrase until its meaning takes root in your heart. Or you could enjoy meditation by simply reflecting on a passage, a sermon, or a personal experience with God.
There are many times I have gone into my prayer closet and simply sat down with the Lord. Thinking of everything He has done in my life and thanking Him for the blessings and breakthroughs I know are coming. This is how I meditate on the goodness of God, when I want to meditate on His faithfulness or His provision or His healing power, I spend my time reflecting on healing scriptures, repeating them to myself or reminding God of past experiences where He has healed me or my loved ones from illness. I love to remind myself of how good God is—if He’s done it once, He can do it again! And He can certainly do it for you.
My friends, the most important thing to remember about meditation is that it is not a formula. You don’t get to say to the Lord, Okay, God, I spent three hours repeating this scripture on provision—that means I should get a promotion this week. No, beloved, that isn’t how this works.
Meditation happens when you simply take time to focus and reflect on God, on His attributes, on His Word, or on the blessings from God in your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated or complex—it’s simply spending time with the Lord on a deeper, more intimate level!
No, you don’t need to get candles or crystals involved, but you may be wondering if it is right or wrong to do so.
Candles and crystals are not inherently wrong. They have multiple uses and have existed in this world long before New Age worship became a social media trend. I love to burn candles around the house for their fragrance and aroma, and whenever I see crystals in the store, I can’t help but stare. They’re all so pretty!
But is it all right for a Christian to use these items when in prayer or meditation?
Personally, I would not recommend it.
The reason I say this is because we don’t need anything special in order to communicate with God. What makes the Blood of Christ Jesus so special is that His sacrifice tore the veil that separated us from God. We no longer have to go through a High Priest to hear messages from the Lord—Jesus Christ is THE High Priest and we have direct contact with Him 24/7.
To throw in candles and crystals turns our prayer and meditation into something like a ritual, instead of a personal relationship with our Father. Remember what I said earlier about meditation not being a formula? The same concept applies to this.
Meditation is not a formula. It will not be enhanced by burning candles, nor will it have a greater impact by sitting out crystals. The purpose of meditation is to focus completely on the Lord and His Word. When you begin to introduce these other elements, you can sometimes lose focus on the true meaning of such a precious connection.
Think of it this way, sometimes we work ourselves into a routine to the point where things ‘don’t feel right’ if we don’t perform them the way we’re used to.
You’ll hear people say things like, my meditation wasn’t as fulfilling without my candles. Or, I don’t feel connected to God without my crystals.
This is a dangerous area to be in. Because you are now placing the value of your prayer and meditation on the presence (or lack thereof) of a mere candle or crystal. Your time alone with God is precious and anointed with or without these other things, so be careful not to become dependent on these unnecessary elements.
As I said before, candles and crystals are not inherently wrong, but because they are so deeply connected with forms of worship that are nothing short of witchcraft, I highly advise against using them in your time alone with God. I also advice against their use in prayer/meditation because they are not a necessary step or element we require to communicate with God.
Candles are fine when used for lighting or fragrance, crystals are pretty as decorations. But nothing more.
I hope this article helped you understand Christian meditation a little better. If you’re looking for a good scripture to start your meditation, take a look at the few I have listed below. But don’t be afraid to read your Bible and find your own verses! Meditation is not limited to any specific passage from the Word. You can focus and reflect on whatever verses speak to your heart.
Luke 1:37 NIV For no word from God will ever fail.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalms 5:3 NIV In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Proverbs 12:25 NIV Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
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