Spiritual Disciplines (4)

I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected. Habakkuk 2.1

Learning to see and hear
The discipline of meditation fits nicely into almost every other discipline, especially prayer and the reading and study of God’s Word.

I want to say a further word about meditation, for it is through meditation that we learn to “hear” the voice of the Spirit as He teaches, convicts, and guides us. And it’s in meditation that we can “see” the glory of God manifesting in the various places and ways He is wont to do so. Meditation is key to engaging God in His self-revelation, whether in Scripture or in the creation around us.

Insights on meditation
Here are some choice insights on meditation from Christian leaders of the past.

Anglican theologian Charles Bridges (1794-1869) reminds us that meditation is an important exercise for the soul: “The habit of meditation is the exercise of the mind on spiritual objects for spiritual purposes, fixing a clear and permanent impression of truth.”

Meditation can help us to improve the art of Christian living, as Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) observed: “No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intense meditation, learnt it.”

Here’s a little longer quote from Bohemian philosopher John Amos Comenius (1592-1670), reminding us that meditation is a means to see and an impetus praise the Lord: “…all will regale themselves, even in the midst of their work and toil, by meditation on the words and works of God, and, by the constant reading of the Bible and other good books, will avoid that idleness which is so dangerous to flesh and blood. To sum up, they will learn to see, to praise, and to recognize God everywhere…”

John Calvin (1509-1564) wrote of meditation that we should seek to continue in it at all times: “[Now] by this we are admonished that it is insufficient to give one day’s attention to what our Lord willed to be published in his name, rather our meditation must continue on it. Consequently, let each one [of us] so engage our life, both morning and evening, that we might not cease to call to mind what our Lord reveals and explains to us.”

And, finally, this concise definition from Hugh of St. Victor (1096-1141): “Meditation is sustained thought along planned lines…Meditation takes its start from reading but is bound by none of reading’s rules or precepts. For it delights to range along open ground, where it fixes its free gaze upon the contemplation of truth, drawing together now these, now those causes of things, or now penetrating into profundities, leaving nothing doubtful, nothing obscure. The start of learning, thus, lies in reading, but its consummation lies in meditation.”

The practice of meditation
OK, let’s pull out a few practical applications from these great teachers so that we can think about how to make meditation a more consistent part of disciplining our bodies for Kingdom living.

First, meditation involves focused observation and thought. You have to slow down, think deeply, observe closely, and let your thoughts and observations sink into your mind and connect with whatever they can there. Ask lots of questions, and look for more things to observe. You’ll need time for this, and skill in blocking out distractions, whether of your surroundings or your own mind.

Second, the focus of meditation should be on God, as He reveals Himself in Scripture and creation. Since God is always revealing Himself to us, we can learn to practice aspects of meditation while we’re taking a walk, working in the yard, or having a meal. God is always at hand; we just need to focus, observe, and think about what we’re seeing of Him. Meditation is not about discovering something deep within ourselves. Meditation is about seeing the beauty and power of the Lord, as He makes Himself known to us throughout the day.

Third, meditation is a powerful aid to learning, especially when it comes to learning spiritual truths with a view to bearing spiritual fruit. When we’re meditating we must try to think our way all the way through to changes God might want to work in our souls. Look for “next steps” to take immediately that can firm up your learning and begin a trajectory for continual growth.

Fourth, learning to meditate can keep us from ever being idle, so that all our moments, even when we’re relaxing or recreating in some way, can lead us into the presence of God, to praise, adore, and give Him thanks.

As Hugh of St. Victor observed, true learning begins with the reading and study of Scripture. But real learning, learning that sees us being transformed increasingly into the image of Jesus Christ, is consummated in meditation. Learn the practice of meditation, and wait on the Lord in meditation, until He shows you His beauty and power. You’ll learn more and learn better when meditation becomes an active and ready discipline in your spiritual life.

Next steps: Look around you. Notice the things in the room where you are right now, or outside a nearby window. On a card or sheet of paper, jot down three things you’d like to think about more deeply during the day. Take some time out right now, then again several times during the day, to meditate, using the guidelines above, on these items. Make some notes. Pray your meditation in. At the end of the day, share the fruit of your meditations with your spouse or a close friend.

T. M. Moore

This week’s study, Spiritual Disciplines, is part 3 of a 7-part series on The Disciplined Life, and is available as a free download by clicking here. We have prepared a special worksheet to help you begin getting your disciplines in proper shape for seeking the Kingdom. Write to T. M. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for you free PDF of the “Disciplined Life Worksheet.”

A rightly-disciplined life requires a Kingdom vision, and that vision is centered on Jesus Christ exalted. T. M. has prepared a series of meditations on the glorious vision of Christ, based on Scripture and insights from the Celtic Christian tradition. Order your copy of Be Thou My Vision by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.