Jesus, Meditation, Energy: Finding Wholeness

Loving Jesus and being into meditation and energy is a beautiful way to connect with the divine and deepen your spiritual journey. In fact, Jesus himself is believed to have engaged in meditative practices, such as spending 40 days fasting and praying alone in the wilderness, and finding quiet moments to reflect and communicate with God.

Christian meditation is ultimately about growing one's friendship with Jesus Christ and deepening one's convictions of faith. It is about creating the emotional and spiritual space for Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in one's heart. This can be achieved through various methods, such as Lectio Divina, which encourages thoughtful engagement with sacred texts, and the Jesus Prayer, a repetitive prayer to help one feel calm and connected with God.

Meditation practices, when combined with prayer, can be a powerful tool to enhance one's spiritual connection and bring inner peace. By taking quiet moments for reflection and contemplation, one can align their thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ, fostering a deeper love for Jesus and a stronger relationship with the divine.

The benefits of Christian meditation

Christian meditation is a form of prayer that involves reflecting upon the revelations of God and the Bible. It is distinct from non-Christian forms of meditation, such as those performed in Eastern religions, as it focuses on filling the mind with thoughts related to biblical passages or Christian devotions. Christian meditation is an effective way to deepen your relationship with God and gain a clearer understanding of His word. Here are some of the benefits of Christian meditation:

It helps you develop a deeper understanding of Scripture

Guided Christian meditation uses thought-provoking questions and prayer to guide you into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. By meditating on Scripture, you can gain a deeper knowledge of sacred truth and wisdom. It also helps you to internalize the truth of God’s Word and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to obey it.

It reduces feelings of stress and anxiety

The Word of God is a message of peace and hope. Christian meditation, which focuses on God’s promises and presence, can help to reduce stress and anxiety by reminding you that God is in control of the future and that His plans are good.

It helps you deal with sadness or grief

Life is full of sorrows, and following Jesus does not shield you from them. However, Christian meditation can help you draw near to God for comfort when you feel weighed down by grief, disappointment, or sadness. It is a way to connect with God and remind yourself of His truth, even when you feel alone or disconnected.

It helps you guard against sin

Christian meditation can help you replace destructive habits with constructive ones. By meditating on Scripture, you can train yourself to maintain a righteous mindset and obey God’s commands.

It promotes spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness

Christian meditation is not just about spiritual growth; it also impacts your emotional and physical well-being. It helps you slow down, draw closer to God, and hear His words of love and peace. It can also improve your sleep patterns and increase your pain tolerance.

It increases your love for God and others

By meditating on Scripture, you can strengthen your love for God and others. This, in turn, motivates you to obey His commands and live a life that pleases Him.

Christian meditation is a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development. It allows you to fill your mind with God's Word, gain a deeper understanding of His truth, and experience His peace and love in your life.

The history of meditation in the Bible

Meditation has been a part of Christian practice since the early Church was established by the Desert Fathers and Mothers in Egypt. It flourished in the Eastern Orthodox Church from the 5th century and was further developed in the Roman Catholic Church from the 14th to 18th centuries.

The word "meditation" comes from the Latin word "meditatum", which means "to ponder". In the Bible, meditation is mentioned numerous times, including in the Old Testament's book of Genesis (24:63) and Joshua 1:8. Throughout the Psalms, there are at least 14 verses that discuss meditation, and there are also several calls to "meditate on the word of God".

In the Bible, Isaac, the son of Abraham, is described as going out to "meditate in the fields at eventide". The Torah mentions that Jesus, while growing up in Jerusalem, would have been around meditators and, as a Jewish Rabbi, would have understood the significance of Isaac meditating in the fields.

There is also evidence to suggest that Jesus himself meditated. For example, it is believed that Jesus spent 40 days and nights "praying" in the desert, but the specifics of his technique are not clear. Some scholars argue that this time was actually spent in meditation rather than prayer, as meditation is the act of "listening to God", which more closely mirrors what is believed to have occurred during this period.

Additionally, in Matthew 6:5, Jesus taught his disciples to "pray alone and to use few words", which sounds more like a basic meditation technique than pure prayer. While it cannot be stated with certainty that Jesus's time spent in prayer was actually time spent in meditation, it is likely that he did practice meditation to some degree.

Meditation in Christianity has two distinct forms: Lectio Divina in the West and hesychasm in the East. Hesychasm involves the repetition of the Jesus Prayer, while Lectio Divina uses different Scripture passages at different times and is non-repetitive in nature.

The progression from Bible reading to meditation and, finally, to a loving regard for God was first formally described by Guigo II, a Carthusian monk who died in the 12th century. Guigo II's book, "The Ladder of Monks", is considered the first description of methodical prayer in the western mystical tradition.

In conclusion, while some Christians believe that meditation is "of the devil" and rooted in sin, there is significant evidence to suggest that it has a place in the Christian faith and was even practised by Jesus himself.

Meditation techniques of Jesus

While some Christians believe that meditation is "of the devil", rooted in sin, and should not be practised, there is evidence to suggest that Jesus himself meditated, and that meditation is mentioned many times in the Bible.

The Jesus Prayer

The Jesus Prayer is a spiritual tool to deepen your inner communion with Jesus Christ and the Infinite. This meditation is a variation of the Hong-Sau technique. The prayer is: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Some people add to this: "a sinner". This is a mantra that can be repeated in silence, in alignment with your breath.

The Scriptures

Meditating on the scriptures is another way to meditate with Jesus. This involves silently repeating a sacred word, passage, or scripture in alignment with your breath. This acts as an anchor for the mind, helping you to focus your attention on the present moment and God's presence. Some sacred words or scriptures you can meditate on include:

• "The Lord is my Shepherd"
• "I walk by faith"
• "The joy of the Lord is my strength"
• "I cast my cares upon the Lord"
• "Peace be Still"
• "Maranatha" ("Come, Lord Jesus")

The Desert Fathers

The Desert Fathers in the 4th century used segments of the psalms repetitively to focus the mind spiritually. This is another way to meditate in a similar way to Jesus.

How to incorporate Jesus' teachings into your meditation practice

Meditation has been a spiritual practice for thousands of years, and Christians have been turning to it to deepen their relationship with God. While some Christians believe that meditation is "of the devil", there is biblical evidence to suggest that Jesus himself practiced meditation.

Jesus and Meditation

The Jewish tradition during Jesus' era was deeply rooted in spirituality and contemplation. Ancient Israel was a society where prayer, reflection, and meditation were integral aspects of daily life. Mysticism, which involves a direct experience of the divine, was also a significant aspect of ancient Jewish culture.

Jesus likely spent 40 days in the desert meditating and praying, and he often withdrew to quiet places to be alone and connect with God. He also encouraged his disciples to "pray alone and use few words", which sounds more like a basic meditation technique than traditional prayer.

Biblical Verses for Meditation

There are several verses in the Bible that mention meditation and can be used to guide your practice:

• Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."
• Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
• Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for as members of one body you are called to peace. And be thankful."
• Psalm 23:1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."
• Psalm 119:15: "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."
• Joshua 1:8: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it."

Incorporating Jesus' Teachings

When incorporating Jesus' teachings into your meditation practice, consider the following:

• Silence and Reflection: Jesus often sought quiet places to be alone and reflect. Take moments of quiet reflection to connect with your inner self and the divine.
• Heart-Centered Prayer: Jesus believed in sincere and loving prayers. Focus on sending out positive feelings and love to feel more connected to the divine and bring inner peace.
• Mindful Presence: Jesus was fully present in the moment. Learn to pay attention to the present moment without judgment, which will help you feel clear and calm inside.
• Lectio Divina: This method involves reading sacred texts thoughtfully and connecting with them on a deeper level. Pick a short passage, read it slowly, reflect on its meaning, pray about it, and then spend time in quiet contemplation.
• The Jesus Prayer: This simple, repetitive prayer can help you feel calm and connected to God: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
• Start and End Your Day with Scripture: Begin and end your day with Scripture to keep it at the forefront of your thoughts. You can also turn Scripture into song or craft to help you remember and meditate on it.
• Focus on God's Word: Deliberately direct your thoughts to God's word and remember what He has done. Talk about God's word and obey it to position yourself for His blessings.

The differences between Christian and Eastern meditation

While Christian and Eastern meditation share some similarities, there are several differences between the two practices.

Focus

Eastern meditation focuses on emptying the mind to connect with the essential nature of the self and the universe. It is believed that through meditation, individuals can attain spiritual enlightenment and become one with the universe or a higher power. On the other hand, Christian meditation focuses on filling the mind with Scripture and connecting with God. Believers meditate on God, his presence, his glory, and his Word. They reflect on the love, peace, provision, and goodness of God, as well as his Word, to deepen their relationship with him.

Beliefs

Eastern meditation does not require a belief in a specific god or adherence to a particular belief system. It is based on the belief that human beings have the power to control and change their circumstances through chanting and visualization. In contrast, Christian meditation is based on the belief in God's superiority over human beings and his Word as the ultimate truth. Christians believe that God is in control of all circumstances and that Jesus is the Son of God and the key to inner peace.

Techniques

The techniques used in Eastern and Christian meditation also differ. Eastern meditation often involves specific bodily postures, such as sitting cross-legged or kneeling, and the use of mantras or repetitive phrases. In contrast, Christian meditation does not have specific bodily posture requirements and focuses on meditating on Scripture or sacred words.

Goal

The ultimate goal of Eastern meditation is often described as spiritual enlightenment or self-realization, where individuals attain a state of spiritual freedom or nirvana. In Christian meditation, the goal is to bring Christians closer to God, enrich their souls, and deepen their understanding of God's love and their relationship with him.

Frequently asked questions