by Janet Dunn

Created on: July 30, 2010

When people first hear the word meditation it conjures up images of a guru sitting cross-legged on a mat facing the rising sun with his thumb and middle finger on each hand forming a circle as he hums or chants " ohmmm". For some this might be what they do but the real art of meditation is to sit and listen. 

Spiritual meditation is to pray asking God to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of his word to you; and then to help you apply it in your life.  At this point relax, clear all thoughts from your mind, and let whatever flows into it come.  This is how God speaks to us.  It is during these times when things are revealed to us that ordinarily we would not think of on our own.

Some ask what the difference between prayer and meditation is; well, prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening.

When you pray you should talk to God as if he is physically there with you; when in all reality he is.  We are told that the very second we accept Christ as Savior we are instilled with the Holy Spirit. This never leaves us.  We may backslide because we are human and our Heavenly Father of course knows this so he has provided us with a protector; the Holy Spirit. This means that God is our father, Jesus is our savior and the Holy Spirit guides and protects us.

Many get caught up in the idea that they should be hearing a human voice speak to them during meditation, but  let me assure you that if you actually heard the voice of God you would probably drop dead of fright.  We can not be so lame to think we are that sinless.

Meditation is best done when you make a special uninterrupted time to sit quietly and think about the word of God.  The bible tells us to go into our closet and seek God in private.  This is when answers may become crystal clear or they may not be revealed until another time; so keep praying and asking only God’s will to be done. Sometimes our answers are no and we don’t understand but keep meditating and the reason will be revealed in time.               

Spiritual meditation is the practice of focusing on the passages in the bible and their meanings.  When you study the verses remember to look at the whole chapter, not just one verse.  You have to take your time, read, pray and listen.  It will happen.

Sources:

http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/

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