The idea of meditation is to generate a deeper understanding about the self. You can gain this understanding through reflection and concentration. As far as Christian meditation goes, it is explained, as an innate conversation with God. It is simply you opening up your mind, through prayer, and communicating with God.
The first Christian monks were the ones who set in motion Christian meditation. They would ponder on the meanings and messages from passages or verses from the Bible. This form of mediation was called “divine reading” and it is one of the first known types of Christian meditation. As the Christian monks reflected on the scripture passages they found themselves having thoughts about God and about his holiness. They called this act contemplation and it even leads them to having conversations with God through prayer. This soon led to St. Theresa of Avila constructing the “5 R” Method of Christian Meditation. The “5 R’s” stand for being: Ready, Read, Reflect, Respond and Resolve. These steps are known for leading one to total attentiveness on God.
Ready
In order to be “ready”, you should prepare your mind to recognize God’s presence. This can be achieved by considering and pondering your devotion, faith and love in God. Have a clear plan and purpose for your meditation time and seek God’s forgiveness for your sins.
Read
This step is extremely simple: read a verse or passage from the Bible and think about it. Really think about what the passage means to you or how it can envelop your every day life.
Reflect
Focus your thoughts on the passage and how that particular passage can answer questions of your life. Drive your mind into a profound contemplation.
Respond
Begin your conversation with God. At this point in the “5 R’s” you should have a clear idea of what the passage means to you and you should have some meaningful questions to ask of God. Speak to God as open as you would your best friend.
Resolve
Just as you normally thank a friend for listening and spending time with you, thank God for spending time with you. Acknowledge all that He has given you and all that you have learned from your meditation time.
Christian meditation is about opening up your mind, body, and soul to a conversation with God. It is taking time out of your day to spend time in solitude and peace and with God. Similar to prayer, is a deep kind of worship and a spiritual experience.
Written By : Mary_Sheldon. Discover the benefits of meditation and how Christian Meditation can improve the quality of your life at http://www.typesofmeditation.com