How can I meditate on Scripture?
The words of Scripture are living words. (See Hebrews 4:12.) They contain eternal wisdom held in the shell of human words. God wants us to “break open” these human words and begin to discover the rich wealth of personal application and understanding that they hold. This goal can be accomplished as you memorize and meditate on Scripture.
The Apostle Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you [live in you] richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). Meditation on Scripture will cause Scripture to “dwell in you” and become a source of wisdom in your mind, will, and emotions.
Remember, meditation cannot be done in a hurry. It takes time. Doing studies on the meaning of a passage and committing it to memory prepare you to meditate on it. As you meditate, the Holy Spirit will teach you the ways of God through His Word. (See John 16:13.) Use the following keys to meditation:
Worship God in Your Spirit
Your times of meditation should be times of worship and fellowship with God. Worship God in your spirit as you quote God’s Word back to Him. Reverence God’s Word and purpose to “do according to all that is written therein” (Joshua 1:8).
Personalize the Passage
Turn the Scripture into a first-person prayer back to God. Personalize it by putting it in the first person, using I, me, and my. For example, Colossians 3:16 (quoted above) could be personalized by saying, “Let the word of Christ dwell in ME richly in all wisdom.” When you put Scripture in the first person, it becomes a living expression within your heart, which is one aspect of meditation.
Give Attention to Each Word of Each Verse
Focusing on one verse at a time, quote it to the Lord, pondering each word. With each recitation of a verse, emphasize a different word. For example, if you are meditating on John 3:16, you would emphasize a different word each time you repeated the passage:
- “For God so loved the world … .”
- “For God so loved the world … .”
- “For God so loved the world … .”
- “For God so loved the world … .”
- “For God so loved the world … .”
- “For God so loved the world … .”
Be attentive. This simple method of meditation will reveal new insights and give you greater understanding of phrases and sentences. As you hear the words of the passage, you will discern nuances and associations that are often overlooked when the passage is read silently.
“Martin Luther, one of the pivotal figures of church history, gave detailed instructions on how to meditate … . ‘You should meditate not only in your heart, but also externally, by actually repeating and comparing oral speech and literal words of the book, reading and rereading them with diligent attention and reflection, so you may see what the Holy Spirit means by them.’ ” (Doug McIntosh, God Up Close: How to Meditate on His Word, Moody Press, Chicago, Ill., 1998, 65.)
Illustrate the Main Concepts Found Within the Passage
As you memorize and meditate on a passage, look for Biblical concepts and patterns. Sometimes drawing simple illustrations with stick figures and symbols can help you remember the main ideas of the passage. Not only will the actual creation of the illustration help you further meditate on the meaning of the passage, but your illustration can serve as a simple summary of what the Lord taught you through meditation on His Word.
Each illustration should represent your current understanding of the action being described in the verse or phrase. As your understanding of the verse deepens, your illustrations will expand.
Meditate on Scripture as You Go to Sleep at Night
One of the most critical times to meditate on God’s Word is as you go to sleep each night. In Scripture, there are many references to meditating on Scripture at this time. (See Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, 63:6, and 119:148.)
The quiet moments of preparing for sleep offer an ideal setting for contemplation and fellowship with the Lord. The thoughts that are on your mind as you go to sleep will be in your subconscious mind all through the night. They will strongly influence your attitudes the next day, consciously or subconsciously.
Respond to God as He Teaches You
As you meditate, don’t be discouraged if you have to go over the passage several times before insights begin to come to mind. As God reveals an insight to you, pray it back to Him and ask Him for the grace to apply that truth in your life. If the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin in your life, confess it to the Lord and be forgiven.
Apply to your life the insights you gain through meditation on Scripture. Learn more >>
Comments
The Word of God is like treasure in a field that a man finds. He sells all he has and buys that field.
May the Word abide in US and US in the Word always, Amen!!
thanks for the lesson. its great. God bless
I am very excited with your teaching about meditation. I am going to act accordingly. I noticed that whenever I meditate some earthly thoughts cross my mind. I find there is big battle in my mind. How do I make my mind to be fully dominated by the word of God despite of the circumstances I am going through in life?
Meditation requires discipline and should flow out of a heart that is overwhelmed by the love of God.
This is great insight.
Tnks,I really appreciate this forum..this is something have been stugling with for sometime now,thank you so much
This is a great resource and I'm very much grateful for it. God Bless!
Ps 119:48 should read 119:148 otherwise this list is an excellent resource. Thanks be to God:)
Thank you! Good eye!
I have been battling with sleep for sometime. How can mediating on the word give me a better night rest.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Thank you for the teaching, i had found that i could easily get distructed, upon asking for help from God, he revealed that meditating to ground myself in his word was the answer. I just didn't know how to do it until i came upon this site. God bless you.
Thank you for your kind guidance. For sometime now and due to medical misguidance, I have become fearful of life, of living so to speak. I am afraid of getting very sick and die. My heart feels heavy and I would love to find comfort and understanding. Could you tell me what I need to meditate on? I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much. Blessings!
Thanks for this write up. It has opened up my eyes on so many areas on meditating on the word of God and the holy spirit. God bless u mightily.
Thank-you. This is very helpful!
This is great teaching. I am going to be following this especially as I go to bed
This is a great lesson though! As for me,I meditate everyday of my life on God's Word,and Holy Spirit expand the knowledge on the word for me,and always have a revelation of teaching the Word of God
great resource! May God bless you richly..Amen
Thank you for this help. I meditate but my mind wanders on Other worldly things this has been insight for me to know I'm on the right path as I meditate on God's word!
Wooow, excellent resource, really, Joshua1:8 is so true, thanks for the insight bro, I really need it. To Maria, look at this (I hope you see this):
swaller
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Again, thanks !!!
Thank you so much! Orderly, simple and right on target! May Father bless abundantly!
Hi there. I have been struggling with Spiritual Warfare for a couple of months now. I went to a conference and 1 of the pastors wife told me to read the red writing in the bible and meditate on them. I don't know how to do that, but after reading this I now know how to. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much! Orderly, simple and right on target! May Father bless abundantly!!!
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