To meditate is to ‘think deeply on something.’ During a time of meditation one remains ‘in a calm, silent state for a period of time’ experiencing ‘deep and careful thought,’ which is practiced in many and various ways. 1
In many Eastern religions and philosophies the art of mindfulness acts as a form of meditation that offers ‘calm and careful thought’ in the midst of a busy and responsible life which in recent years has been embraced by many in the West.
This compares by contrast too many who might meditate on a horse racing guide to enhance winnings or a gardening manual that brings creative and beautiful borders and lawns. The Christian community has for hundreds of year’s practised meditation in the form of the ‘liturgy of the hours’ which would include the celebration of Holy Communion.
In the book of Daniel chapter six (NIV) we read about Daniel’s discipline of meditation and worship to God. Daniel from verse three ‘distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps.’ However, they were jealous of him but ‘they could find no corruption in him, because he was trust- worthy.’ In time they conspired to encourage King Darius to issue an edict ‘that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to Darius, shall be thrown into the lion’s den.’
In verse ten we read that ‘three times a day he (Daniel) got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.’ From verse 13, Daniel was reported to have contravened the king’s edict which ‘greatly distressed’ the king. So from verse 16 we find that Darius ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den saying ”May your God whom you serve continually, rescue you!” The next day at dawn the King checked on Daniel and asked if his God had rescued him? In verse 21 we read Daniel’s reply “O King, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”
‘The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.’ Sadly the fate of Daniel’s accusers and family was to be thrown into the lion’s den themselves. From verse 25 we read of a letter sent out by Darius encouraging all to ‘fear and reverence the God of Daniel.’ ‘So Daniel prospered under the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.’
There is much to be said about the practise of meditation in different forms which can enhance our own personal and spiritual wellbeing. In recent days many people are realising afresh the value of creation, the importance of stopping and connecting to the world around them and trying to find a spiritual application to life.
In the western Christian tradition from around the fifth century, ‘the liturgy of the hours’ has been structured around seven periods of times in a day which encourages believers to meditate on scripture with prayer, so as to get closer to God and live a holy life.
In Jewish tradition (Daniel 10 v 6) and as referenced in the New Testament there is the custom of three hours, at the third, sixth and ninth hour to pray and worship. In Acts 2 v 15 we have a reference to a third hour (nine in the morning). Acts 10 v 9 records a sixth hour (noon) and in Acts 3 v 1 we have a ninth hour (three in the afternoon).
Other descriptions include the calm of the morning, the heat of the midday and the cool of an evening. In modern timescales, daylight is divided into twelve hours between sunrise and sunset. Then we have another twelve hours from sunset to sunrise which are known as the night watches.
Alongside specific times to worship and pray, there can be no substitute to be in a constant spirit of praise and worship each and every hour. Any structured custom and practice may dilute a spontaneity that could take place during times of meditation. Such order may in itself end up as a form of human salvation and acceptance before God, rather than a simple heartfelt obedience and devotion that is less structured. The best form of meditation will include both order and spontaneity.
Brother Lawrence from the 17 century concentrated on practicing the presence of God in a Carmelite monastery. He meditated on the bible for strength and guidance. He engaged in an active prayer life and sought to reflect God’s presence by loving and serving his neighbours and community.
When I was compiling my manuscript for my first book Blog 51 I found a very special place at Mirfield monastery near Wakefield West Yorkshire where I was able to quietly mediate and concentrate on the task at hand, whilst sharing in their hours of prayer, worship and Holy Communion. They are a lovely community of Benedictine brothers who live a simple life of worship, study, prayer and hospitality to their local community and worldwide.
I wonder what we can learn from the discipline of meditation. It may help us to stop and be still in the midst of the ordinariness and routine of life. It may help us to ponder and apply the truth and wisdom of scriptural teaching.
Mediation may be, as in Daniel’s case, a cause of trouble but it can equally if not more, be the source of renewal, restoration and a firm hope in the present and the world to come. Many were jealous of the favour that Daniel received because of his love and devotion to God. In the midst of losing his own life his guardian angels protected him, restored him and as a result King Darius instructed his people to trust in the God of Daniel.
What a difference our homes, schools, work places and churches might be if people changed their lifestyle and belief and faithfully practised the presence of God in and with a beauty of holiness for all to see and enjoy.
May you be encouraged in your discipline of meditation?
Graham
1 Collins
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