7 Practices for Spiritual Growth | Session 7: Meditation
Fasting Outline
- Introduction
- Meditation is not an evil practice.
- Colossians 3:2
- “Mediatation, like fasting, focuses our perspective from a Godly view rather than an earthly one.”
- What are some things you’ve heard about or believed about meditation?
- The Science of Meditation
- Can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Can help depression.
- Can help learn and work better.
- Can increase self-control.
- The Bible on Meditation
- Joshua 1:8
- Different words for meditate, but all of them mean we should be focused on communicating with God while listening to His Word.
- Psalm 19:14
- Philippians 4:8
- Greek word logizomai “to consider, to think through.”
- Meditating on scripture is a biblical practice that helps us to grow spiritually.
- Have you ever meditated on scripture before? In what ways was it beneficial to you?
- Meditation in Practice
- Romans 12:1-2
- Don’t worry, you won’t go into a trance…although that would be pretty cool…maybe.
- Lectio Divina: Isaiah 40:28-31
- Step 1: Take a deep breath in and breathe out.
- Step 2: Breathe in for 3-4 seconds and breathe out for 6-8 seconds. But please only do what you feel comfortable with.
- Step 3: Read through Isaiah 40:28-31. When you’re done take a few seconds to ponder the words and then speak out loud a few individual words that speak out to you. You could say, “everlating,” “soar,” etc. After taking a few moments to meditate on the verse, move on to the next step.
- Step 4: Read through Isaiah 40:28-31 again. This time, after taking a few second, speak out phrases that speak to you. They could be “will renew their strength.” Then take a few extra seconds.
- Step 5: Read through Isaiah 40:28-31 again. This time, after taking a few seconds, say a short 1-2 sentence prayer based on a verse. Keep it simple but impactful for you.
- Step 6: Read through Isaiah 40:28-31 one last time. This time you won’t say anything but rather remain quiet as you meditate and ponder the verses you read.
