CONTEMPLATION / MEDITATION
1. Definition
• Meditation in Christian spirituality is the intentional reflection on God, His Word, and His works.
• Contemplation is silent, loving attention to God’s presence — resting in Him without words.
Together, they draw the believer into deeper communion with God.
2. Biblical Foundations
A. Old Testament
• Psalm 1:2
• Psalm 119:15
• Joshua 1:8
Meditation is linked with study, reflection, and obedience.
B. New Testament
• Philippians 4:8
• Colossians 3:16
• 1 Peter 1:13–16
Jesus modelled contemplative withdrawal (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16).
3. Theological Meaning
A. Meditation
• Engages intellect
• Leads to understanding
• Connects truth to life
B. Contemplation
• Moves beyond thought
• Centers on love and presence
• Is relational, not analytical
4. Distinction Between Meditation and Contemplation
Meditation
• Focus: Scripture, truth, God’s works
• Method: Reflect, analyze, memorize
• Outcome: Understanding, obedience, wisdom
• Engagement: Active
Contemplation
• Focus: God’s presence, love, glory
• Method: Rest, silence, attentiveness
• Outcome: Union, peace, transformation
• Engagement: Receptive
5. Influential Christian Voices
Augustine — “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Thomas à Kempis — “Meditation is a light… contemplation is a fire.”
John Wesley — "A constant meditation on the love of God fills the soul with love... the fountain of inward holiness."
Brother Lawrence — Ordinary life becomes contemplative through constant communion.
Richard Foster — "Meditation upon Scripture transforms the inner spirit... contemplation takes us to the fire of divine love."
6. Practical Approaches
Meditation
• Slow Scripture reading
• Reflecting on promises
• Journaling
Contemplation
• Silence
• Breath prayer
• Wordless adoration
• Awareness of God in daily life
7. Benefits
• Deepens intimacy
• Cultivates peace
• Aligns heart with God
• Encourages obedience
• Develops discernment
• Fosters humility
8. Why It Matters
Meditation and contemplation nurture the inner life, allowing believers to hear God, rest in Him, and be transformed.
9. One-Sentence Summary
Contemplation and meditation draw believers near to God through reflective thought and silent communion, transforming heart and mind.
In Daily Faith: Spend time in reflective prayer, listening to God’s voice.
In Daily Life: Practicing Contemplation & Meditation
Christian meditation and contemplation are daily habits that shape the believer’s inner life and open the soul to God’s transforming presence.
1. Begin Your Day by Meditating on Scripture
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 1:2
• Joshua 1:8
Daily Practice
• Read slowly.
• Ask: “Lord, what are You showing me?”
• Carry one truth with you.
Why It Matters
Starting with Scripture anchors your mind in truth before the world speaks.
It sets the tone for a day shaped by God rather than distraction.
Encouragement
God meets you in His Word — even a single verse can sustain your entire day.
2. Reflect Deeply — Don’t Rush the Word
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 119:15
• Colossians 3:16
Daily Practice
• Choose one phrase.
• Repeat it throughout the day.
• Ask: “How can I obey this?”
Why It Matters
Deep reflection moves Scripture from your mind into your heart.
It turns knowledge into transformation.
Encouragement
God delights when you linger over His Word — He reveals more to those who slow down.
3. Practice Contemplative Stillness
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 46:10
• Mark 1:35
Daily Practice
• Sit quietly for 5–10 minutes.
• Use a simple phrase: “Here I am, Lord.”
Why It Matters
Stillness trains your soul to rest in God rather than in activity.
It cultivates peace and spiritual attentiveness.
Encouragement
God is present in the quiet — He meets you in the silence more than you realize.
4. Bring Your Mind Back to What Is True
Biblical Guidance
• Philippians 4:8
• Colossians 3:2
Daily Practice
• Pause when anxious thoughts arise.
• Replace lies with Scripture.
Why It Matters
Meditation redirects your inner world toward truth.
It breaks cycles of fear, negativity, and distraction.
Encouragement
You are not powerless over your thoughts — God renews your mind as you turn to Him.
5. Practice “Slow Scripture” (Lectio Divina)
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Samuel 3:9–10
Daily Practice
Read
Reflect
Respond
Rest
Why It Matters
Lectio Divina teaches you to listen rather than analyze.
It opens space for God to speak personally.
Encouragement
God’s voice becomes clearer when you slow down enough to hear it.
6. Carry God’s Word Into Your Tasks
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
Daily Practice
• Whisper Scripture during ordinary tasks.
• Keep your mind anchored.
Why It Matters
Meditation turns daily life into worship.
It keeps your heart connected to God in the mundane.
Encouragement
God walks with you in every task — even the smallest moments can become holy.
7. Use Creation to Stir Contemplation
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 19:1
Daily Practice
• Go outside.
• Observe quietly.
• Ask: “What does this show me about You?”
Why It Matters
Creation becomes a window into God’s beauty, power, and creativity.
It awakens awe and gratitude.
Encouragement
God’s fingerprints are everywhere — He reveals Himself through the world He made.
8. End the Day With Reflective Prayer
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 63:6
Daily Practice
Reflect on:
Where did I sense God?
Where did I resist Him?
What do I need to confess or thank Him for?
Why It Matters
Reflection closes the day with clarity, peace, and spiritual honesty.
It helps you see God’s presence in hindsight.
Encouragement
God was with you today — even in moments you didn’t notice.
9. Practice Silence and Solitude Regularly
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Kings 19:11–12
Daily Practice
• Weekly stillness (10–30 minutes).
• Remove distractions.
Why It Matters
Silence strengthens your ability to hear God’s whisper.
It cultivates inner peace and spiritual sensitivity.
Encouragement
God speaks gently — and He loves when you make space to listen.
10. Let Meditation Lead to Transformation
Biblical Guidance
• Romans 12:2
• 1 Peter 1:15–16
Daily Practice
• Ask: “How is God calling me to change?”
• Identify obedience steps.
Why It Matters
Meditation is not an escape — it is preparation for obedience.
It softens your heart so God can shape your character.
Encouragement
God is forming Christ in you — every small step of obedience matters.
Summary: Living Out Meditation & Contemplation Daily
✔ Meditate morning and night
✔ Sit quietly in God’s presence
✔ Redirect your thoughts to truth
✔ Practice slow Scripture
✔ Bring God into daily tasks
✔ Use creation as a window to God
✔ End the day in reflection
✔ Let meditation shape obedience
“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Scripture References:
Psalm 1:2
Joshua 1:8
Philippians 4:8