Christian Meditation-The Other Side of Prayer

We had an amazing Band of Brothers meeting in Carrizozo this morning.  Got off into a discussion on the subject of Christian meditation.  Several agreed that it seemed that the emphasis on Eastern religion and New Age in the 70's and 80's caused many in Christian circles to be overly cautious, or even antagonistic toward meditation.  The Bible clearly commands  us to meditate on HIS Word and person.  Here are just a few scripture references:  Jos. 1:8, Ps. 1:2, 63:6, 77:12, 119:15,     I Tim. 4:15 etc.  So why are we afraid to engage in scriptural meditation when it is so important to our faith?

New Age meditation (TM, Zen, etc.) usually has to do with quieting the mind to the point where it becomes totally passive and at rest.   Some forms use this as a place to engage your "spirit guide," which then takes over and controls or reveals things to your mind.  We know that these "spirit guides" are usually demonic entities that can effect our thoughts and values.  So there is some reason for caution as we approach Christian meditation.

Christian meditation also quiets the mind (soul,) but, instead of concentrating on "nothing," we are quieting our soul and filling our mind with thoughts of scripture, of the presence of God, as Phil. 4:8ff relates, "the good things, the pleasant things, things that are without reproach," etc.  These are things of the character and presence of God Himself.  This is a safe place where no evil can dwell.  "In His presence is fullness of joy."

Here's the part that makes meditation critically important.  We all agree on the importance of prayer, but many Christians think that prayer is simply US making our requests known to GOD.  In other words, we just present our laundry list of needs to God and that is the sum total of prayer.  Jesus ministered among the people daily, but scripture says that He went up on the mountain at night to pray.  Since Jesus said that He could do nothing of himself, but only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5) we have to wonder what He prayed about.  Was He presenting His "laundry list" to His Father?  Was He praying, Father, bless uncle Joe, Aunt Mary needs a new pair of shoes, JB is having surgery tomorrow, please direct the doctor's hands... or was He praying, Father, show me Your heart, move in my life, show me what to present to your people, give them the same relationship with us as you and I have, I must know what You, Father are doing, so I can do the same?  

Meditation puts us in the place to hear from God.  No longer are our prayers one-way communications where we talk but don't expect a response.  Our prayers become powerful two-way interactions between us and our all powerful, loving Father.  We become people who "can only do what they see their Father doing," and do exploits on the face of the earth just like Jesus did (and does.)  We become the hands and feet of the Living God, walking out His purposes in the earth.

One other thought... The Spirit showed me that there are no human fingerprints on the Holy Spirit.  He uses our hands to reveal His purposes, be we cannot lay claim to His attributes, His works, or His virtue as we walk out His will in obedience.  NO HUMAN FINGERPRINTS!  We can claim none of HIS glory for ourselves.  I believe the standard is being raised as God reveals HIS BRIDE to the creation.  His bride is totally in love with Jesus, has eyes only for HIM.  And yearns to present all glory and honor jealously to HIM only.  Meditate on these things...Selah!
Blessings, Grover