[Note: Jady was kind enough to pass along his PowerPoint slides, which contain more information than is in this outline. You can download them by clicking the link to the PowerPoint file in the “Resource files” list above. Thanks, Jady! -MRW]
Introduction
Psalms 19:14What is meditation?
Psalms 77:6Psalms 77:12Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 73:16ContemplateDwell onConsiderWhat does the Bible teach us?
Genesis 24:63 – He was deliberate in going to a place to meditate.Joshua 1:8 – Meditation on God’s law would bring success.Job 15:4Psalms 1:2 – Meditating on God’s word shows we delight in it.Psalms 4:4Psalms 19:4Psalms 27:4 – Meditation should be a priority.Psalms 49:3Psalms 63:6Psalms 77:6, 12, 2Psalms 119Psalms 143:5Psalms 145:5Psalms 104:34 – This whole psalm was a meditation to God. All the psalms are meditations.Summary
Who
YouYoung, old, or depends on the dayBook smart or practicalLover of routine or … squirrel!Just youThere is time for others for study and edification, but we need time alone with God.Moses spoke to God 1-on-1, THEN he came and others saw the glory of God in his face (Exodus 34:29-35).GodListening to God’s wordsThinking about God’s thoughtsSpeaking to GodWhat
All the ways God has made himself known – print, people, planetAll the ways your walk interacts with GodGood times and badJoys and sorrowsEasy times and hard timesIn strength and in weaknessWhen
Deuteronomy 6:6-9At the beginning of the dayIn the night watchesAll throughout the dayLuke 1:29; 2:19, 51In the middle of a conversationWhen God does and declares wonderful, and maybe even perplexing thingsWhere
EverywhereNoisy or quietAlone or in a crowdOn your bedOn the roadIn the cityIn a desolate placeBy the “sea” – Matthew 13:1On the “mountain” – Matthew 15:29A secluded place – Mark 1:39Corner of a coffee shop, or McDonald’s, a park, library, your closet, porch, or portable isolation (headphones)On a mower or tractorIn your carInstant meditation – turn off the radio!How
But I can’t focus!Maybe that’s okayFind purposeFor othersFor yourselfTechniquesStart with meditating on meditatingFind silenceWhatever silence is most important to you – auditory, visual, mental, physicalVisual reminders – cards, marker/chalkboardPhone remindersBuddy system – one or a groupTips from friendsFrom David: Imagine yourself as the person being spoken to in scripture.Lessons from Andy CantrellHearing from God: MeditationThe Value of MeditationTips from JadyStart in the morningImmerse in the textAsk questionsBefore leaving study, identify what you are going to think about.Make it small and focused, memorableWalk. At the right speed.StareStop doingWhy
Deuteronomy 6:1-3, 12, 20-21, 25For yourselfFor your familyThat it may be well with youThat you may prosper and multiple in your promised landDeuteronomy 8:2, 11, 14, 18, 19-20That you may rememberBeware that you do not forget the LORD your GodThen your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your GodBut you shall remember the LORD your GodIt shall come about if you ever forget the LORD … you shall perish
