Christian meditation (thinking deeply on Scripture) is "the missing link between Bible intake and prayer." George Müller, known to be a great man of prayer in 19th Century England was said to know the secret to powerful prayer. Müller's claimed that if there was a "secret" to His prayer life, it was his discovery of the connection between meditation on Scripture and prayer.
Donald S. Whitney, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" God encouraged His people to meditate on His word so their hearts would be turned toward Him and their minds focused on His agenda. Practicing Scripture meditation will have a powerful impact on a person’s prayer life. Below are some Scripture passages to encourage meditating on God’s word. Joshua 1:8 (HCSB) This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Psalm 119:15-16 (HCSB) I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways. 16 I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 1:1-3 (HCSB) How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. How to Meditate on Scripture Meditating on Scripture involves focusing on a particular Scripture passage in order to fill one’s mind with God’s word and truth. Donald Whitney, in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life suggests the following guidelines for meditating on Scripture. 1. Select an appropriate passage. (see below) 2. Reread the passage several times while emphasizing different parts. 3. Say or write the passage in your own words. When meditating on longer passages, divide them into smaller units to make rewording more manageable. 4. Spend time reflecting on how this passage might apply to your life. 5. Pray through the passage as God brings insights, needs, and discernment into your mind. 6. Take your time--allow the words of the passage to soak into your mind and heart. Example Scripture Passages for Meditation Genesis 1:26-31 Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Micah 6:8 John 1:1-3 Romans 5:1-2 Romans 5:6-8 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 1 John 1:1-4 Comments are closed.
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Tony HoffmanCampus Pastor at First Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL where his passion is to help people discover and live out their calling in Christ. Tony regularly consults, speaks, and teaches about discipleship and Christian education. Archives
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