To meditate in prayer, find a quiet space, focus on your breath, and connect with your intentions or spiritual beliefs through mindful reflection.
Christian meditation in prayer is a powerful way to deepen your relationship with God. Unlike secular mindfulness practices, this sacred tradition focuses on filling your mind with divine truth rather than emptying it. Through meditative prayer, you create space to hear God’s voice and align your heart with His will.
What Is Christian Meditation in Prayer?
Christian meditation differs fundamentally from Eastern practices. While Buddhist meditation seeks to empty the mind, Christian meditation fills it with Scripture and God’s presence. As Psalm 1:2 describes: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.”
Biblical Foundations of Meditative Prayer
The Bible contains numerous references to meditation:
- Joshua 1:8 commands meditation on God’s law
- Psalm 119 contains seven references to meditation
- Jesus frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16)
These examples show meditation as an essential spiritual discipline for God’s people throughout history.
How to Practice Christian Meditation in Prayer
1. Create a Sacred Space
Designate a quiet place free from distractions. Consider enhancing your space with meditation candles or sacred scents to help focus your mind. The physical environment prepares your heart to meet with God.
2. Select Your Meditation Focus
Choose one of these biblical meditation objects:
| Focus | Example |
|---|---|
| Scripture passage | Psalm 23, John 15 |
| God’s character | His love, mercy, or power |
| Christ’s life | The crucifixion or resurrection |
3. The Four-Step Meditation Process
Read
Slowly read your chosen text several times. Let the words sink deep into your heart.
Reflect
Ask: What is God saying here? How does this apply to my life? What does this reveal about God?
Respond
Talk to God about what you’re discovering. This transforms meditation into two-way prayer.
Rest
Be still before God. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Overcoming Common Challenges
Dealing With Distractions
When your mind wanders:
- Gently return to your focus verse
- Visualize the biblical scene
- Whisper the words aloud
Maintaining Consistency
Start with just 10 minutes daily. Use tools like meditation timers or prayer apps to build the habit. Remember that quality matters more than duration.
Advanced Meditative Prayer Practices
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)
This ancient monastic practice involves:
- Reading a short passage slowly
- Meditating on a word or phrase that stands out
- Praying about how to apply it
- Contemplating God’s presence
Ignatian Imaginative Prayer
Place yourself in a Gospel story using all five senses. Imagine the sights, sounds, and emotions of being with Jesus during His earthly ministry.
The Fruits of Meditative Prayer
Regular practice yields spiritual growth:
- Deeper intimacy with God
- Greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
- Transformed thinking (Romans 12:2)
- Increased peace amid life’s storms
As Richard Foster observes in Celebration of Discipline, “In meditation we are growing into what Thomas à Kempis calls ‘a familiar friendship with Jesus.'”
Whether you’re new to Christian meditation or seeking to deepen your practice, remember that God honors every sincere effort to draw near to Him. As James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”