How to Meditate on Scripture

To meditate on Scripture is not the same as the eastern religious meditation that many people participate in.  Unlike that meditation, the object is not to empty your mind, but instead to concentrate on a Scripture verse or a short Scripture passage, asking God to give you insights and revelation on that Scripture.

Meditating on Scripture will enrich your daily devotional time with God.  The thing holding us back may be not knowing how to do it.

How To Begin Meditating

Find a comfortable quiet place to sit. Now choose a Scripture to meditate on.  Read the verse or passage several times so that you can think about it.  If you want, memorize it.  Memorizing Scripture makes it available to you at times when you can’t look it up.  It’s amazing how often a Scripture that I’ve memorized pops into my mind at the very time that it is applicable to a situation or discussion that I’m involved in.

How Long Should I Meditate on One Scripture?

You may choose to meditate on the same Scripture every day for a week.  This will give you time to let it get deep into your heart and to bring life changing revelation to you.  Each day you may be surprised at new insights that you gain into the same Scripture.   However, some people choose to meditate on each Scripture for one or two days and then move on to another one.

How Do I Meditate on a Bible Verse or Passage?

Here is the process: Think about what it means.  Think about the meaning of each word or phrase. Turn it into a prayer.  Ask God to reveal to you its deep meanings.  Make sure you spend some time closing your eyes and being still to listen and hear what God is saying to you in your spirit.  He will reveal deeper insights from the Scripture when you ask Him and wait for Him to answer.

Here is an example of turning a Scripture into a prayer:

Philippians 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; NKJV

Dear Lord, thank you that I do not need to be anxious about the safety of my children today.  I lift them up to you for protection, spiritual growth, and health.  I give you thanks that you know them better than I know them and love them even more than I do.  I trust You to take care of them and to do what is best for them.  Amen.

by Karen S. Roberts

For some step by step guidance on meditating on Bible verses or passages, check out this article published by Our Daily Bread.

Please share your experiences with Bible Meditation in the comments below.