Prayer, and Meditation.

Some weeks ago, in my French language blog, I published a post entitled "Pray without ceasing" (in French, of course!). In it, I mentioned that one of my own problems with an extended period of prayer is that my mind tends to wander! A new friend, who receives that post link, contacted me and wrote (also in French!): "My mind also wanders when I try to meditate, apparently very normal." I did point out to my friend that, in fact, "prayer" and "meditation" are not synonymous words!

I had already prepared the post for this week but, yesterday, I received a regular e-mail that deals with the very topic of meditation. It is so good, that I am copying it, completely - with only a few changes: mostly the Scripture quotations that I am providing in the RSV translation (my personal favourite since away back in my Bible College days!), instead of the AV that the author (HMM) uses.

« “Make me understand the way of Thy precepts,and I will meditate on Thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27)

The remarkable 119th Psalm, with its 22 eight-verse stanzas, is the unique “song of the word,” containing 176 testimonies or prayers concerning God’s Word—one for each verse. Eight times the word “meditate” or “meditation” is used, indicating the importance of this practice in relation to the Scriptures. In our text, its basic thrust is to exhort us to meditate on the wonderful works of God once we understand the way of His precepts.

The other seven references to meditation in this psalm are as follows: “I will meditate on Thy precepts,and fix my eyes on Thy ways.” (v. 15); “Even though princes sit plotting against me, Thy servant will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 23); “I revere Thy commandments, which I love,and I will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 48); “Let the godless be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on Thy precepts.” (v. 78); “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (v. 97); “Oh, how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (v. 99); “My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate upon Thy promise.” (v. 148).

There is, of course, a counterfeit form of meditation (e.g., so-called transcendental meditation and other forms of mysticism), not to mention useless daydreaming. These forms of meditation involve clearing one’s mind of all subjects and allowing the mind to wander. In contrast, true, Biblical meditation involves pondering with awe and thankfulness God’s wonderful Word, His ways, and His works in connection with prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures. As an exercise of the mind as well as of the spirit, it is a great blessing and most pleasing to God." »

In other words, what is often meant by "meditation" is emptying one's mind, or is maybe what I recall being introduced to almost 60 years ago - "guided thinking" (or something like that!). But "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of YHWH, and on His law he meditates day and night." (Ps.1:1-2).

Biblical meditation is actively focusing one's mind on Almighty God. There really is a big difference! It's also how we pray!