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--what is meditation?  Why do we do it?  What might be the best sequence with prayer and Bible Study?

Meditation is one of the most neglected and least understood among the elements of the Salvation Process.  It is for this reason that I have this item on the menu.  It is an enticement to you to give this subject extensive study.  This subject is worthy of several sermons, but I want to share some highlights here.

What is meditation?  [from Ungers]

A private devotional act, consisting in deliberate reflection upon some spiritual truth or mystery, accompanied by mental prayer and by acts of the affection and of the will, especially formation of resolutions as to future conduct.

It says, “Meditation is a duty that ought to be attended to by all who wish well to their spiritual interests.  It should be deliberate, close, and continuous.

How is meditation different from prayer?

Meditation is closely related to prayer.  Prayer is when we make contact with God through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Meditation is when God makes contact with us through His Holy Spirit. 

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, it shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. –John 14:26

This is most often done in meditation.

What are the Benefits of Meditation?

1) Prosperity and Success

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. –

Josh 1:8

2) Power

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. -Josh 1:9

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. -

Eph 3:16-19

3) The Mind of God

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. -2 Tim 2:7

4) So People Will See Christ in You

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. –1 Tim 4:13-16

Suggestion of sequence when coupled with prayer and Bible Study

I took this from the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong at a point in his life where he was really up against multiple trials, including a sick wife, lack of food, money and even wood for the fire.  He began to fast.  He then entered his bedroom and began a sequence of Bible Study for one hour, meditation for one hour and prayer for one hour.  He continued this sequence around the clock until you read of God intervening and answering all his prayers.

Remember from the definition of meditation, the phrase, "deliberate reflection upon some spiritual truth."  We gather these in our Bible Study of scripture.  The Bible is the mind of God.  We study the mind of God.  We then meditate on the substance of His mind.  This puts focus and power into our first period of prayer.  This whole process becomes more powerful as we move into the next three-part sequence.  Each element enhances the others.

Now I am not necessarily advocating we drop everything and begin this hour-by-hour sequence around the clock.  I will tell you that Mr. Armstrong stated that this was among the most profound spiritual experiences of his life.  Clearly this sequence, even in smaller time frames and as a regular habit will reap many spiritual rewards.

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