When you think about meditation, you may picture Eastern religions that don't jive with your Christian beliefs.In the Bible, meditating can be a great way to feel closer to God.The goal of Christian meditation is to focus your whole being on God rather than trying to empty your mind completely.You can choose any subject that helps you feel close to God, but the easiest way to do this is to meditate on the Bible.
Step 1: Pick a time when you can be alone.
If you want to really focus on the word of God, you have to choose a time to meditate.If you live with other people, you might try to meditate before they wake up.Say something like, "Hey, I'm going to pray and read my Bible for about 15 minutes, if it's not possible to meditate when everyone else is asleep or out of the house."Does anyone need anything before I do that?Don't allow any other distraction.You can turn off your phone and TV at the same time.
Step 2: You should meditate at the same time every day.
It's easier to make a consistent practice if you have time set aside for it.You can either meditate when you first wake up or take a few minutes out of your lunch break to devote to God's word.Set an alarm to remind you to meditate at the same time every day.It may take a little while to find the time that works for you, so don't worry if you have to change it a few times.
Step 3: You can find a comfortable meditating position.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to how you should sit when meditating.You can sit on a cushion on the floor or in a chair.It might be difficult to concentrate on God's word if you don't choose a position that is comfortable to you.If you're too comfortable, like lying in your bed, you might start to get sleepy, which can affect your meditation.
Step 4: If you want to meditate on a subject, choose a Bible verse.
Most of the time, Christian meditation involves reading and reflecting on a Bible verse.You can either write the verse down on an index card or in a notebook and keep it with you as you meditate, or you can read it out of your Bible.If you do a daily devotional, you can meditate on the Scripture.Pick a passage in the Bible and read it until it sticks out to you.If you don't know where to start, you can read the books of Matthew, Mark, and John.As long as you bring your attention to God, you can meditate on something other than Scripture.You can think about God's blessings in your life or a lesson you've learned.You can meditate on the beauty of God's creation if you feel close to God.
Step 5: Start meditating for about 5 minutes.
If you're just starting out in Christian meditation, you can start with shorter sessions where you just allow God's word to speak to you.You can work up from there if you get more comfortable with the practice.It is possible to meditate for a set amount of time.Setting a timer will let you know when your meditation is over.
Step 6: Carefully study your Bible verse.
It is advisable to read a Scripture at least 2 or 3 times.It is a good idea to reflect on the meaning of the verse and how it applies to you.You can meditate on Hebrews 13:8 which says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."You can think about what that would have meant to early Christians, but also what it means to you in your walk with Him.If you meditate on God's natural beauty, you might find a spot with a beautiful view, or you could hold a flower or leaf in your hand and look at it.
Step 7: Don't focus on emptying your mind, instead.
You can clear your mind with many practices of meditation.Try to keep your attention on God instead of letting go of unrelated thoughts in Christian meditation.Turn your attention back to the object or thought you're meditating on if you notice your mind starting to drift.It should get easier with practice.
Step 8: If you have trouble focusing, you can write your thoughts in a journal.
Journaling can help you stay on track if you find that your mind wanders while meditating.Re-reading the Bible verse or passage will help you meditate.Write down what you think it means and how you can relate that verse to your own life.Write down your prayer requests at the end of your meditation.
Step 9: As possible, make your meditation personal.
If you can relate to what you're saying, it will feel real to you.If you're studying a parable, you might think about how it could be a metaphor for a situation in your own life.Think about the miracle of being alive if you're meditating on nature.Try to picture how you can incorporate those insights into your day-to-day life.If you're reading a verse like "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you", you might think about a scenario where you may feel scared, and then pray for peace and comfort.It's possible to put yourself in a Bible story.If you're reading about Jesus making loaves and fishes, you might imagine the smell of bread or the taste of fish.
Step 10: Begin your meditation with a prayer.
The difference between meditating and praying is that you're reflecting on God's word, rather than talking to Him.As you return to your day, ending your meditation in prayer can help you feel closer to God.You could say, "Dear Lord, thank you for continuing to bless me with Your wisdom."I need your help in finding ways to share your love with others.Amen.
Step 11: Follow along with the daily bible study.
You can get a study Bible from a faith-based bookstore if you don't want to spend a lot of time looking for the right verse.These Bibles often have guided readings, as well as notes that give context and additional insights into the Scripture.Along with the study notes, try to read the passage for the day.Take a few minutes to meditate on a verse that was meaningful to you that day.The additional notes in a study Bible were written by people.It's okay if your interpretation is different from theirs.
Step 12: You should start your meditation with a daily devotional.
Daily devotionals can be found in a book that contains new verse each day.These devotions are usually centered around a short verse or passage, and they're usually accompanied by an anecdote to help readers relate to the verse.As you meditate, read through the devotional the same way you normally would, but with just the day's Bible verse in mind.Try to find a devotional that is relevant to you.You can find devotions for teens, adults, parents, or even nurses.If you find a daily devotion that you like, you can sign up for it in your email.
Step 13: You can use an app for guided meditations
You can find a Christian meditation app on the play store.You can get a new Bible verse when you load the app every day.Worship music and a meditation timer are included.Some apps are designed to strengthen your prayer life, while others are meant to help you sleep better.Some of the more popular apps are Abide, Soultime, Hope, and Whispers from God.
Step 14: Ask your fellow believers to give you a good verse for meditation.
You could still use some help coming up with ideas for verse if you talk to your clergy and fellow church members.If you want to return to them later, you should ask them if there is any verse that is particularly meaningful and write it down in a notebook or the notes app on your phone.It is possible to get in the habit of sharing verse during a prayer meeting.