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GREAT LAKES SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND LEADERSHIP
BTS 2431 – Spiritual Formation
Teacher: Nitunga Cyrille (M. Div.)
The Discipline of Meditation
Essay done by
Nkusu Matwiku Dadi
I009-23
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Table of content
0. Introduction ....................................................................................................................3
1. Spiritual Meaning of Discipline and Meditation ................................................................3
2. Biblical References to Meditation .....................................................................................4
2.1. Old Testament References ........................................................................... 4
2.2. New Testament Insights .............................................................................. 4
3. The purposes of Christian Meditation ..............................................................................5
4. The Objectives of Meditation ...........................................................................................5
5. Why Should We Meditate? ..............................................................................................6
6. Application of Meditation in Everyday Life ......................................................................6
6.1. Important questions for application: ............................................................ 7
6.2. Steps to Practice Christian Meditation ......................................................... 7
7. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................8
Reference ................................................................................................................................9
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The Discipline of Meditation
0. Introduction
David Mathis said we were made to meditate. God designed us with the capacity to pause and
ponder. He means for us to not just hear him, not only to read quickly over what he says, but to
reflect on what he says and knead it into our hearts (Habits of Grace, p.55).
We often hear about discipline and meditation in various fields, especially spiritual ones. In this
essay, we will focus solely on the spiritual field. Our goal is to highlight the importance and
benefits of meditation as a true spiritual discipline, among many others that contribute to our
spiritual growth. To do this, we will first give spiritual meaning of key words; then we will give
the biblical references to meditation; third, we will give purposes of Christian meditation;
fourth, the objectives of meditation; fifth, why we should meditate; sixth, its application in
everyday life, and finally we will conclude.
1. Spiritual Meaning of Discipline and Meditation
There are different meanings of these words. Let us only consider two or three for each in this
paper.
According to Dallas Willard (1988), Spiritual disciplines are activities that facilitate a deeper
cooperation with Christ and allow us to grow in grace. They help to put aside our own desires,
increase our patience, and enable us to love others more deeply. Essentially, they create fertile
ground for spiritual growth, making us more capable of receiving God's life and power (p.124).
However, Bible Hub website (accessed September 11, 2025) defines Spiritual disciplines as
Scripturally grounded practices designed for growth in devotion, character, and faithfulness.
They are not intended as mere habits or rituals but as transformative activities that align one’s
heart and mind with the will of the Creator. And Richard J. Foster (1998), in his book
“Celebration of Disciplines: The Path to Spiritual Growth, 20th Anniversary Edition,” divides
Spiritual disciplines into three categories: first, The Inward disciplines: Meditation, Prayer,
Fasting, and Study; second, The Outward disciples: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission and
Service; and third, The Corporate disciplines: Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration
(Table of Contents, p. iii).
Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word (Foster,
1998, p.17). The Bible uses two different Hebrew words to convey the idea of meditation, and
together they are used some fifty eight times. These words have various meanings: listening to
God’s word, reflecting on God’s works, rehearsing God’s deeds, ruminating on God’s law, and
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more (Foster, 1998, p.15). However, Bible Dictionary Today’s website defines meditation as
not merely a practice of quieting the mind; it is a profound act of focusing one's thoughts on
God, His Word, and His ways. The website adds that the Hebrew word for meditation, hagah,
means to moan, growl, utter, or meditate; It suggests a deep, contemplative process rather than
a simple moment of silence. And this form of meditation is often associated with pondering the
Scriptures, allowing God's truths to permeate one’s heart and mind. For J. Hampton Keathley
III (2004), Meditation consists of reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific
subject to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action.
2. Biblical References to Meditation
Several passages in the Bible, Old Testament as well as New Testament, highlight the practice
and importance of meditation.
2.1. Old Testament References
The Old Testament provides several examples of meditation as a spiritual discipline.
Genesis 24: 63 NIV, “He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up,
he saw camels approaching.”
Joshua 1:8 ESV, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Psalm 1:2 ESV, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and
night.”
Psalm 63:6 NKJV, “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.”
Psalm 119: 15 NIV, “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”
Psalm. 119:148 ESV, “My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate
upon thy promise”
2.2. New Testament Insights
In the New Testament, meditation takes on new dimensions with the teachings of Jesus and the
apostles.
Luke 2: 19 NIV, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
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Philippians 4:8 NIV, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
1 Timothy 4: 15 KJV, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy
profiting may appear to all.”
3. The purposes of Christian Meditation
Beverly Vos (2012) says the aim of Christian meditation is not simply to empty one's mind, but
also to fill it with thoughts of God and his word (p. 107). For Foster (1998) the purpose of
meditation is to enable us to hear God more clearly. Meditation is listening, sensing, heeding
the life and light of Christ (p.244). According to Bible Dictionary Today (n.d.), meditation
allows individuals to cultivate a deeper relationship with God by reflecting on his attributes,
promises, and commands. It offers a space for personal reflection, prayer, and listening to God's
voice. Bible Dictionary Today adds this:
In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to meditate on things that are true,
honourable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. By focusing on these qualities, believers can
foster a mindset aligned with God’s heart and purpose. This practice is essential for overcoming
anxiety, cultivating peace, and growing in faith.
However, Bible Hub website in its section “Topical Encyclopedia” (n.d.) says that the primary purpose
of meditation as a spiritual discipline is to draw closer to God and to align one's heart and mind with His
purposes. Through meditation, believers seek to internalize Scripture, allowing it to transform their
thoughts and actions. Second, Meditation also serves as a means of spiritual renewal and rest.
4. The Objectives of Meditation
According to Bible Hub website in its section “Topical Encyclopedia” (n.d.), meditation leads
to spiritual growth, increased wisdom, a deeper understanding of God's character and will, and
provides a space for believers to quiet their hearts before God, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10 :
"Be still and know that I am God."
For J. Hampton Keathley III (2004), Meditation leads first to Worship – It is a place and space
in our lives for communion with God and a means of elevating the spiritual over the material
world and the world of activity: the world of hustle and bustle and coming and going. Second,
to Instruction - It is designed to improve our understanding of the Word and God’s ways as it
applies to our lives (Psalm 49: 3). Third, to Motivation or Encouragement – It is designed to
motivate and inspire us in service and courage for the works God has called us to do (Josh. 1:7-
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8). Fourth, to Transformation—It is designed to transform and change our lives. This would
apply to all the above (Ps. 4:4; 19:14; 119:15; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:1f).
5. Why Should We Meditate?
According to Keathley (2004), there are three main reasons which push us to meditate: First,
Because of what the Bible is – Revelation from God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21); second,
Because of what man is and needs – Reconciliation to God and one another (Eph. 4:16f;
5:15f; 2 Cor. 4:4); third, Because of what the meditation does – Reformation of the mind
and life (Ps. 63:6; 77:5-7; 119:55-56; 143:5-6).
And Keathley (2004) notes from Scripture some of the reasons we should meditate on the Word:
first, it renews or reprograms our minds, exchanges our ideas for God’s, so we can begin to
experience God’s ways (Isa. 55:8f; Rom. 12:1); second, it monitors what and how we are
thinking and thus protects us against the thinking and actions of the world (Ps. 1:1-2; Jer. 17:5-
10); third, it enables and motivates us to walk after or according to God’s plan and purposes
rather than our own (Josh. 1:7f; Ps. 119:15); fourth, it produces spiritual stability and
fruitfulness or success according to biblical standards (Josh. 1:7f; Ps. 1:3); fifth, it is a means
of focusing on and resting in the Lord which enables us to cling to the Lord and find spiritual
joy in the midst of suffering and testing (Ps. 63:6f; 77:6-12); sixth, it becomes a means of
protection against a mental attitude of self-pity and discouragement (Ps. 4:4; 119:23, 78);
seventh, it is a means of better knowing and understanding the Word which gives insight to life
itself (Ps. 49:3; 119:27); eighth, it warms the heart and keeps us close to God (Jer. 20:7-9); and
nineth, it is a means of worship and seeking God which is ultimately the highest goal of
meditation (Ps. 27:4; 77:12).
6. Application of Meditation in Everyday Life
Psalm 1: 1-3 NIV, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the
way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the
LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams
of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do
prospers.”
According to Keathley (2004), Personal application is not selfish or self-centered, and 2 Tim.
3:16 makes this clear. Keathley says that we are meditating on the Word as part of our search
for spiritual help, direction, and food. The Bible is addressed to each of us personally.
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Bible Hub website in its section “Topical Encyclopedia” (n.d.) says that the practice of
meditation involves setting aside time to focus on God's Word, allowing it to speak to the heart
and mind. And this can be done through various methods, such as reading and reflecting on a
specific passage, memorizing Scripture, or using a devotional guide. Bible Hub (Topical
Encyclopedia , n.d.) adds that the key is to approach meditation with a heart open to the Holy
Spirit's guidance, seeking to understand and apply God's truth in daily life.
6.1. Important questions for application:
According to Keathley (2004), there are three important questions for application: “How does
this truth apply to my life in four spheres: in my personal life, in my family, at work, in my
church, and in my neighborhood?” “In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make
in my life? In other words, am I applying this truth? If not why not?” “Was it ignorance,
rebellion, indifference?” To which we have three vital responses: First, the response of
confession: The Word of God is like a sword - it penetrates, like a mirror - it reveals, and like
a critic of the heart - it judges and reproves or exposes our attitudes and actions. Whenever we
read the Word, it should be with an open heart that is ready to acknowledge sin and confess it
(Prov. 28: 13; 1 John 1: 7-9). Second, the response of faith: One of our reasons for meditating
on the Word is to develop and build our faith (Romans 10:17; 2 Cor. 5: 7). Third, the response
of obedience: When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord
and how much we really believe what we have seen and learned. It demonstrates our faith and
just how serious we are in our relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Sam. 15: 22-23).
6.2. Steps to Practice Christian Meditation
Chocoro Ompoc (2024) says that in choosing to practice Christian meditation, you are choosing
a spiritual discipline that can deepen your relationship with God, enrich your understanding of
his Word, and transform your life from within. By incorporating meditation into your spiritual
practice, you are inviting God’s Word to shape our thoughts, to guide your actions, and deepen
your love for Him. Ompoc (2024) gives seven steps to practice meditation: first, Choose a
Quiet Place: Find a quiet setting where you can be free from distractions. Second, Select a
Passage: Choose a Bible verse or passage. You may wish to start with key verses like Psalm
23, John 15, or Romans 8. Third, Relax and Quiet Your Mind: Take a few minutes to relax,
take deep breaths, and quiet your mind from everyday concerns. Fourth, Read the
Passage: Read the verse or passage slowly and reflectively, allowing its words to resonate
within you. Fifth, Meditate and Listen: Ponder the words, visualize the images, and listen for
what God may be saying to you through the Scripture. Sixth, Pray: Respond in prayer,
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expressing your thoughts, emotions, and desires to God. And finally Rest in God’s
Presence: After your prayer, spend a few moments resting in God’s presence, open to his
influence in your life.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, Meditation as a spiritual discipline is a vital practice for believers seeking to
grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God (Bible Hub, Topical Encyclopedia,
n.d.). For Bible Dictionary Today website (n.d.), the biblical meditation encompasses a deep,
reflective practice that invites believers to engage with God's Word and His presence, and by
understanding the discipline of meditation, individuals can embrace this practice to enrich their
spiritual lives, cultivate peace, and draw closer to God. As we meditate on Scripture and allow
it to transform our hearts and minds, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose for our
lives, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and spiritual growth (Bible Dictionary Today,
n.d.).
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Reference
Bible Dictionary today. What does Meditation mean in the Bible?
[Link] (Accessed August
20, 2025)
Bible Hub (n.d.). Questions: What are spiritual disciplines?
[Link] (Accessed September 11,
2025)
Bible Hub (n.d.). Topical Encyclopedia: Meditation as a Spiritual Discipline.
[Link] (Accessed
September 16, 2025)
Foster, Richard J. (1998). Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, 20th
Anniversary Edition. HarperCollins, 1988
Keathley, J. Hampton III (2004). Biblical Meditation. [Link]
[Link]
Bible%20means%20reflective%20thinking%20on,that%20must%20also%20be%20
filtered%20by%20 the%20Word. (Accessed August 20, 2025)
Mathis, David (2016). Habits of Grace. Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.
Crossway,1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Ompoc, Chocoro (2024). What is Christian Meditation? Christian Meditation Guided by the
Wisdom of the Bible. Christian Learning.
[Link] (Accessed September
17, 2025)
Vos, Beverly. The Spiritual Disciplines and Christian Ministry. ERT (2012) 36:2, 100-114
[Link]
Simplicity.Week6_.[Link] (Accessed September 15, 2025)
Willard, Dallas (1988). The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives.
HarperCollins.
