A New Way to Think About Christian Meditation

In the middle of the night I would constantly find myself staring at the ceiling as my mind sprints, flips, and tumbles through every decision I have made in life or even thought about making. 

After weeks of sleepless nights, I put a call out on Instagram for sleep remedies and I tried all the suggestions;

• Diffusing lavender oil
• Sleep mask
• Melatonin pills and gummies, 
• Sleepy tea
• A rotating fan sound effect (LOL Yall know we used to sleep with the fan on just for the sound)

My last resort (which should have been my first but we goin extend that grace) was meditation.

What comes to mind when you hear the word meditation? 

Do you think about chanting while sitting like a pretzel and your fingers in some weird position that will lead to a hand cramp? Ok this may sound extreme but if you search meditation in Google images what do you see?

Webster defines meditation as the act of engaging in contemplation or reflection. So when we focus on anxious or distressed thoughts over and over again, we are participating in some form of meditation. 

‘Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. ‘ -Philippians 4:6-8 (GNB)

Now let me rephrase the question. 

As a Christian, what comes to mind when you hear the word meditation? 

Did you know that the Bible mentions meditate or meditation 23 times? While you may find there are practices of meditation that suggest clearing the mind, the purpose of Christian meditation is to contemplate on Jesus by the way of scripture. 

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do – Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

So in the middle of the night, I lay in bed and began to focus on my breath. With each inhale I call on a name of God. With each exhale I express a desire.

This type of Christian meditation is called Breath Prayer. Breathe Prayer, also referred to as ‘Prayers of the heart” is a form of contemplative prayer linked to the rhythms of breathing. There are many forms of Christian meditation such as, Lectio Divina, Gospel Contemplation, and Prayer bead meditation but Breath Prayer is my favorite.

Breath Prayer Meditation combines two essential factors of life, the breath and the communion with God through prayer. It is a simple yet valuable technique to use your physical body to direct your mind on the Word of God.

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord . I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. -Psalms 104:33-34 (NIV)