Mystical meditation empties the mind. Biblical mediation turns the mind toward God's word. Use these practical tips to learn how to do it.
Talking Points:
- Start with one verse. Memorize it, write it on a 3×5 card, or type it into your notes app. Psalm 1:1-2
- Ponder each word in the verse, one word at a time. Let that single word trigger your thoughts and responses.
- If your mind wanders, don’t berate yourself. Just bring it back to the verse and keep going.
- Turn the verse into a prayer. As you meditate, respond to God about anything he is saying to you in that verse. Psalm 145:5
- There is no set amount of time that you should meditate. You can do it as you drift off to sleep at night.
- Grow to more and longer passages. You can always come back to the same verse again in the future.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your experience with meditation – biblical or otherwise.
- Why is it important to realize that biblical meditation is about bringing in God’s truth rather than just purging yourself?
- Read Psalm 1:1-2. What does this tell you about biblical meditation?
- Read Psalm 145:5. What does the writer meditate on? What other attributes or works of God can you think of that are worth pondering?
- How can focusing on God’s character help you to face life’s struggles?
- Of the practical tips, which ones stand out to you most and why?
- What questions do you have about the actual practice of biblical meditation?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
