Practice Meditation

1 Chronicles 16:11
January 3, 2021
Jay Haugh

The Gospel of God is not opposed to effort. It’s opposed to earning.

Discipleship is the intentional process of becoming like Jesus in everything.

Rhythms aren’t laws.

Spiritual rhythms are meant to keep Jesus central.

Christianity is relational, not mechanical.

The Rhythm of Meditation

Meditation is not mental passivity.

Christian meditation is about filling your mind with the truth of God’s Word, worth and work.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:1-3

Meditation is not difficult.

The difficulty with meditation is attaching and filling your mind with God’s Word, worth and work.

Meditation is not impractical.

Meditation isn’t meant to make us monks, but missionaries as we carry the truth of God’s Word, worth and work.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. —John 17:17

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32

Find a quiet place.

Find a comfortable posture.

Find a promise from God’s Word.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! —1 Chronicles 16:11

BIG IDEA

Meditation keeps our minds on Christ so as to marvel at His Word, worth and work.

STUDY GUIDE

Practice Meditation
1 Chronicles 16:11
January 3, 2021
Jay Haugh

BIG IDEA
Meditation keeps our minds on Christ so as to marvel at His Word, worth and work.

Our Study Guide for the Rhythms series is a bit different. We’ve changed the format and the content to create a guide that is designed to help you not just increase your head-knowledge about God or to reflect personally on Him, but to deepen your relationship with Him.

Please find that guide within this app or on our website - you can review it on your mobile device or there is a printable download.

The questions below are helpful as self-assessment or to use in your small group meetings, and they come from Page 12 of the guide.

Personal Questions:

What is your current meditation rhythm? What would you like to add or take away to enhance this rhythm in your daily life?

The first step into meditation involves creating an environment of silence, but learning to listen is also facilitated by learning to practice God’s presence throughout the day. What are some things you do that help you live in greater awareness of God presence?

What would you need to do to create a space for meditation in your home?

What is your plan for practicing meditation this week? Be as specific as possible.

Rhythm Plan
What:

When:

Where:

Would meditation be beneficial for me to pursue? Why or why not?

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What is your gut reaction to the word meditation?

How would you characterize your ability to pay attention?

When do you find it easiest to focus your mind or heart?

How might the tendency to do everything quickly affect your ability to meditate?