Image via Wikipedia"Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds Him." ~ Saint Padre Pio
Christian meditation has been abandoned to the mystics, and to the quacks for far too long. Too long has it been relegated to trite, or obligatory rituals. For between these two extremes, the vast ether of the saints, and the slow daily grind of ritual, is Christian meditation.
From this point we embark upon an exploratory journey of beauty, depth, and transcendent wonders, of the presence and majesty of God.
The essence of Christian meditation is our growing intimacy with God. It's Being Present in the presence of God, entering into God's Rest. It's walking with God, as you would with a friend. It's silent worship on our face, awe struck with wonder, being dumbfounded at God's vast, limitless, eternal Majesty. Meditation moves our heart into a living, growing relationship with God.
Whatever else, the only possible response of meditating in God's presence, is worship.
Christian meditation, regardless of what form it takes, is a deep inward response to God, a yearning from the very ground of our being. A yearning that causes us to grow in intimacy, grace, wonder.
Christian Meditation is not knowing about God, it's knowing God intimately. It is tasting and finding out, that God is good. Christian meditation is abiding in the vine, it's dwelling with God. It's being seated in the heavenlies, as we walk in the Spirit on earth.
Heart Point: What is the greatest written meditation of all time?
Hint: It was first written as a song.
Answer: It's David's Psalm 23. Read it meditatively.
Hear and smell the sheep.
Feel the dirt as you sit down.
Learn the skills of a Shepherd.
Cover your head from the winds through the cold nights, and sunny days.
Walk the hills with David.
Sit and meditate and sing to God.
Bring out the Sheep in the morning, and put them up at night.
Take them to the brook, when they need water.
Pick out the lamb that's going to be your dinner.
Fight for your sheep. Face the Bear and the Lion.
And Rest in God.
Come out of the shadows of pseudo-spirituality into reality. That's where God is. In our daily life.
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This is one of my passions, Bob. Thank you for bringing it to new light.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a book you might enjoy called Mindsight by Dr. Dan Siegel which talks about recent neuroscience research that suggests meditation is actually biologically healthy. It changes the physical structure of the mind!
Wow Joe, That Rocks!
ReplyDeleteSeriously. I've been writing and revising posts with the goal of a book for about 2 months now. Maybe, a Manifesto Handbook of Christian Meditation ~ Intimacy With God?
Anyway, I'm familiar with Dr. Seigel's work.
And Joe, I would love to have your serious input. You are doing incredible work. And your interaction with your community, Wow! In a few short months what you've done is amazing.
Joe, Thank You for your kind comments!
May God's Blessings and Peace soak down into you and your family like a gentle rain.
Bob
Oh Yea, I love your picture for the Winter Solstice Writing Contest. Beautiful.
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