Practices & Principles

Christian Meditation

Unlike Eastern forms of meditation, Christian meditation doesn't empty the mind, but it fills and directs the mind toward God. The thread running through all of it is relationship: a way of being attentive to Someone who is already present and speaking.

Eastern Meditation

Empty the mind

Engage the mind with God's Word, presence, and truth

Key Forms It Takes

Not sure where to start?

Presencewhen you want company, not a method
Contemplativewhen your mind will not stop
Ruminationwhen one verse keeps finding you
Imaginativewhen you want to be in the story

The Presence of Christ

Interactive

Practicing the Presence

Brother Lawrence, 17th c.; Frank Laubach, 20th · Matthew 28:20

Not imagining Him into the room, but noticing He is already in it. Sit with Him where you already are, or carry one person to where He already is. Nothing to prepare and nothing to memorize.

1Settle where you actually are
2Read His promise to be with you
3Notice the room: what you hear, what you see, your own weight
4Turn toward Him the way you would toward anyone already sitting there
5Say what you would say, then stay a while

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Contemplative Meditation

Interactive

Centering Meditation

Desert Fathers & Mothers, renewed in the 20th century · Psalm 46:10

A quieter, more receptive form. You choose a sacred word to return to when the mind wanders, and simply rest in openness to God's presence. The word is not a mantra; it is a gesture of consent.

1Choose a sacred word (e.g., ‘Jesus’, ‘Peace’, ‘Come’)
2Sit quietly; silently offer your word to God
3When thoughts arise, gently return to your word
4Rest in God’s presence for an extended period

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Scripture Rumination

Interactive

Meditating Day and Night

Hebrew tradition · Joshua 1:8

Taking a verse and turning it over mentally throughout the day, like cattle chewing cud. You repeat it, ask questions of it, and let it speak into your current situation.

1Choose a verse (start with one or two lines)
2Read it slowly several times
3Carry it through your day, returning when you can
4Ask: what does this mean for me right now?

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Imaginative Meditation

Interactive

Ignatian Meditation

St. Ignatius of Loyola, 16th century · John 1:39

You place yourself inside a Gospel scene using your imagination, seeing, hearing, and engaging with what's happening. The goal is encountering Jesus, not merely studying about Him.

1Choose a Gospel narrative passage
2Read it carefully once
3Close your eyes and enter the scene
4See, hear, touch. What do you notice?
5Encounter Jesus: what does He say to you?

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Practical Principles

Intentionality

You set aside deliberate time because it doesn't happen accidentally.

Stillness

Quiet your body and environment first (Psalm 46:10 — "Be still and know").

Scripture-anchored

God's Word is almost always the starting point or foundation.

Dialogue, not monologue

It's relational because you're orienting toward a Person, not an idea.

Repetition is welcome

Returning to the same text or phrase is the point, not a failure.

Fruit over feeling

The goal is transformation, not emotional experience.

A Simple Starting Template

Not sure where to begin? This five-step framework works for any of the practices above.

Settle

Sit quietly, take a few slow breaths, acknowledge God's presence.

Read

Choose 3–5 verses; read them slowly 2–3 times.

Reflect

Ask: What word or phrase stands out? What is God saying to me?

Respond

Pray naturally from what arose.

Rest

Spend a few minutes in silence, just being with God.