Meditation
Friendships are formed when we spend time getting to know one another. By being in another’s presence, learning their likes and dislikes, and hearing their stories, we are able to better understand our friends.

Meditation is the practice of listening to God as we would a friend.  Thomas à Kempis describes meditation as developing a “familiar friendship with Jesus”.  As Christians, we have the opportunity to connect with God in a remarkable way.  Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”  We have the privilege of spending time in contemplation of God’s goodness, creating space—a sanctuary in our heart for God.

Meditation is the practice of listening to God as we would a friend.  Thomas à Kempis describes meditation as developing a “familiar friendship with Jesus”.  As Christians, we have the opportunity to connect with God in a remarkable way.  Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”  We have the privilege of spending time in contemplation of God’s goodness, creating space—a sanctuary in our heart for God.

The word meditation comes from the Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure.”  It entered English as meditation through the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated any type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation."  Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual practices that may emphasize different goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness, turning attention to a single point of reference.  However, this is where many confuse eastern meditation and Christian meditation.  Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline explains that the goal of eastern meditation is “to empty the mind,” to literally think upon nothing, while a Christian seeks to fill his or her mind with God.  Meditation puts us in a position to view our lives from a new perspective and to encounter God in meaningful ways. 

How to Meditate

• Find a quiet place that you can be free from interruptions.  If you have a favorite place somewhere outdoors, this might be appropriate.  But go to the same place each time, rather than trying to explore new surroundings.
• Focus on releasing your fears and worries to God.  In a short prayer, give God your concerns about an exam, finances or relationships.  Continue by asking for God’s peace and wisdom to deal with your specific issues. Sit in silence and listen.
• Meditate on scripture.  This is in contrast to the study of the scripture where you might look up cross references or try to find deep meaning in a passage.  Instead, read a passage as if it were written to you.  Do not analyze it, but accept it and ponder it in your heart.  Imagine what it might have been like to be part of the story.  Hear the sounds, smell the fragrances, feel the emotions.
• You may want to spend some time meditating on a song, a piece of art, or poetry.  Try exploring the following resources:

With art www.explorefaith.org/prayer/meditation/art/index.php
With poetry  www.explorefaith.org/prayer/meditation/poetry/index.php
With music www.explorefaith.org/prayer/meditation/music/index.php
With reading www.explorefaith.org/prayer/meditation/reading/index.php

• Don’t be discouraged if your attempts at meditation seem rudimentary and stiff at first.  Continue practicing and deeper meaning will come with time.