Meditation

Pray Continually

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. This blog is an opportunity to do just that.  Highlighting different guides and styles for prayer.  Please feel free to comment below about your own personal experience with this prayer or any questions you have regarding praying.

Meditation

" Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Find a quiet place where you can take a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes (or longer if you like) to meditate on God's word.

Submit your mind to God and be still.

May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    as I rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34

Confess any sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10

Select a passage of scripture ask God to illuminate it.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Ponder, reflect, ruminate, muse, mutter, meditate on the text.

I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.
Hebrews 4:12

Practice and apply what you have discovered in God's word.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9

Share with others what you find.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:15-16

Some extra thoughts (take it or leave it):

• Sometimes it can help to set a timer. You can start with a shorter amount and work your way up to more time. If you are new to this technique it can be a little daunting to sit in silence. When you have a timer running, you don't need to be distracted by the time.
• If you can't stand silence, don't be discouraged, start with some quiet background music, or white noise (like a fan, static noice, a river running).
• Sometimes your list of tasks or worries can be distracting, jot down the things on your mind on a piece of paper before you start, then you will know you will not forget them during the time you concentrate on God's word.
• Being uncomfortable can be an act of discipline. Try sitting on the floor with your legs crossed, or simply sit in an uncomfortable chair. This can keep your body focussed while your mind is busy, so you don't accidentally fall asleep in your practice.
• Did you know you can do this with a friend, you can focus on the same scripture and set a time to practice, then call/text each other to share afterward what you experienced.
• Use a physical bible and put your phone away for the duration of the time you are dedicating.  That way a notification or other temptation will not disctract you.
• If the weather is nice, make a journey out of it, take a walk and find a place where you can be alone, drowning out the chaos and familiarity of the lives we live, where you can focus on God's word alone surrounded by His creation.

Thank you for praying,

for turning your eyes and heart to the Father who is able to do more than we could hope or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). May you come to know Jesus more, be blessed, and be a blessing as you pray.

What scriptures have you meditated on?

Do you have a special place or time you like to meditate?