[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during January 2023]
Meditation – for those of a certain age, the word may invoke an image of an eastern mystic sitting cross-legged on a dais, surrounded by smouldering joss-sticks and magic mushrooms, and sublimely indifferent to the world around him. Perhaps one or two world-famous musicians are seeking inspiration whilst sitting at his feet.
It may be that such an image contributed to the reluctance of many in the more conservative denominations of half a century ago to accept that meditation might have a valid place in a Christian’s quiet-time. The idea of relaxing control of your mind would have been very-much alien to those whose personal devotions were focused on diligent Bible study and concentrated prayer.
Were they right?
Genesis 24 tells us that Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening[1]. Earlier in Genesis, prior to the fall, we see God in the habit of walking in the garden in the cool of the evening. Jesus himself would often retire to a quiet area to pray after a busy day dealing with the people around him. Indeed, he had some advice for those seeking to emulate this habit:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6 v6 [NIVUK]
Listening to appropriate music can be an aid to meditation. Hymns that have stood the test of time can be helpful, bringing to mind some of the truths of our faith, temporarily subduing those outside distractions. Well-known lyrics can remind us that God is awesome yet faithful and caring, willing to guide us in his will.
Does meditational music need words? Does knowing the words expand or restrict our thoughts? Classical composers such as Bach or Handel frequently composed works that were intended to glorify God through the magnificence of the music itself. Modern composers such as James Michael Stevens continue to do so, offering works of a smaller scale that, nevertheless, aid meditation without the constraint of formal words.
Our quiet time is not an occasion for emergency prayer or extended prayers of supplication. We can, of course, ask for our daily bread or the forgiveness of sins[2] but the psalmist gives us the wider context:
Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46 v10 [NIVUK]
For us, the nature of our western lifestyle is rarely conducive to a regular quiet-time. The pressures of the day are persistent, family members need our attention, our thoughts start to wander. We even start to think ahead about what we will do once the quiet-time is over. The apostle Paul offered some advice on how to keep our minds on track:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 [NKJV]
References:
[1] Genesis 24 v63
[2] Matthew 6 v9-13
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
