Savor the Scriptures

Every religion teaches and practices meditation.  Some are better than others. 

The Trappist monk Thomas Merton, who was highly trained in the meditation procedures of the ancient and monastic world, traveled to the Far East to study the meditation of the Buddhist monks.  While he found many similarities between Buddhist prayer techniques and those of his fellow monks, in the end he had to admit that they were not the same, since our meditation is focused on Christ and the Cross, not some inner light.  The goal of Christian meditation is to come closer to Christ. 

For that reason, meditation for the Believer usually means meditation on the Bible.  Our focus is not inward to ourselves or outward to the world, but upward towards Him. 

So before you begin to pray, learn to focus your attention on reading and meditating on the Bible.  Take a verse or two from the Scripture and think about what it means.  Don’t take too long of a passage at first; better to have small passages that are more easily understood.  Say the verses over and over again.  Memorize it if you can.  As your mind becomes filled with these verses, the concerns you have about your daily life will fade.  The very act of reading and reciting the Bible will help you calm and become ready for prayer.

Our attitude of mind is a terrific help for us when we approach the throne of Christ in prayer.  Take a moment and savor the Scriptures before you begin to explore the depths of prayer. 

Lord, help me to believe in Your Goodness when I do not see the answers to my praying.  Help me to remember the many times I have sought You and found You, and the many ways You have demonstrated Your love to me.  Help me to remember that You desire the best for me, and long to give me all things—will give me all things in heaven.  Just as I believe in the sun when it is not shining and believe in the rain when it is not raining, help me to believe in Your love even when I cannot see Your blessings.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

Questions

Here are a few verses to think about as you meditate this morning.  Read them aloud several times.  Then write what they mean to you in the spaces provided below. 

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Jeremiah 29:13 

Hebrews 13:5