Prayer & Meditation

(copied from my 360.yahoo.com blog dated 4/3/08)

A friend recently explained to me the detailed, step by step process of eastern style meditation. As denoted in the picture, the meditative posture is very important as well as the thoughtful visualizations that occur during the meditation. My friend has come a long way from delving into witchcraft and the metaphysical to being totally sold out for Christ. The other day we talked about meditation as it relates to Christianity.

First, I want to mention a book that another friend is reading, Developing Intimacy with God: An Eight-Week Prayer Guide Based on Ignatius' "Spiritual Exercises" by Alex Aronis. I just found out about this book, so I can't really comment on it, except that my friend says it's awesome! You can find this book on Amazon, and I also found translations of St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises. I think both of these books will be worth the read.

Second, I want to share an experience that I had at a women's retreat. We were given a brief description of Centering Prayer, and then given the opportunity to try it. Basically, we were asked to become still and tell God that we were ready to listen and receive his word and then just listen and wait. Closing our eyes was important in order to shut out any distractions. It was difficult for me at first to still my mind. But when I did, very unexpectedly, I was given a clear vision. I saw myself sitting crosslegged in a grassy knoll by a stream. I asked God where I was and he said, "This is the River of Life." I remember not really knowing what to do with this information, except to quietly sit and experience the River of Life. After our time of Centering Prayer was over, we all had an opportunity to discuss what God had shown us. Three or four people received similar messages about the River of Life. The music, which had been decided on prior to the retreat, also talked about the River of Life. It was truly amazing to experience God's Word in that moment of prayer and meditation.

Third, I want to address any spirit of fear related to meditation. In my friend's case, meditation was used to open her mind to spirits. I have no doubt that these spirits came. It's a little scary to think of how the dark spiritual realm visits the open mind and heart, and what lies are told during that time. But, just because there is a dark side to meditation does not mean that meditation itself is wrong. In fact, the bible mentions meditation over and over again. It especially appears in the book of Psalms, which tells me that meditation can be a very worshipful experience.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this book of law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 39:3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue.

Psalm 48:9 Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

Psalm 77:12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

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

Psalm 119:15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Psalm 119:23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

Psalm 119:27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119:48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

There are other scriptures that command us to take time out to think on certain things:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praisworthy-think about such things.

You have seen in some of my previous blogs my frustration with depression and overeating. Often in the last few months I've been recalling my experience with Centering Prayer and I believe God is encouraging me to come back to him in prayer and meditation. Prayer for me is usually more conversational. I try to listen, but I am always distracted by children or my job or whatever. I think God is asking me to sit still and listen...to close my eyes, to quiet my mind, to visualize God's word, to hear his whisper, to see him or experience him in whatever way he decides I need to experience him. Perhaps in meditation, I will hear God's word as it relates to my life.