Scripture speaks a lot on meditation. The happy, blessed person in Psalm 1 “delights in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). In Genesis 24:63, “Isaac went out to meditate in the field.” God commanded his people in Joshua 1:8 to, “meditate on [the Book of the Law] day and night…” Psalm 119:48 says, “…and I will meditate on your statutes.” Later in Psalm 119:97, “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Mary treasured up God’s promises and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Paul tells the church to “think about” godly things (Philippians 4:8). And there are others. Scripture is full of commands and examples of Christian meditation.
Christian mediation is different from eastern religious practices like yoga and emptying the mind. In his book, Matthew Bingham states that Christian meditation involves “directing one’s attention toward God and his promises as revealed in Scripture with the aim of stirring up God-honoring affections.”[i]
For those of us in the Reformed tradition (specifically Baptist in our church), biblical knowledge and doctrine are rightly underscored as we encourage one another to grow in the faith and pursue Christ-likeness. Reading and studying Scripture is a huge part of our lives. We believe Sola Scriptura after all. But for many there can develop a disconnect between the head and heart. I have said many times, ‘You cannot love what you do not know.’ Discipleship is crucial and time in God’s Word is paramount. Perhaps, what is missing for some is Christian meditation. Thomas Watson pointedly notes, “The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation.”[ii]
Elsewhere, Matthew Bingham wrote, “One often hears that Reformed Protestantism is a religion of the head, a faith far more concerned with getting one’s doctrinal ducks properly aligned and far less concerned with establishing and maintaining a vital and lively piety.”[iii]
In today’s busy schedules Christian meditation may be acknowledged as helpful–important even, yet it is neglected. Often overcome by other things of the day. Good intentions to include meditation frequently are unfulfilled and even become regret. Many do well in Scripture reading but meditation is an afterthought.
I know in my own life and ministry I have often stressed the importance of reading Scripture and the necessity of prayer at all times, yet at times meditation is a forgotten treasure. I have regularly exhorted others and reminded myself to think on God and his Word, to consider Christ and contemplate his glorious work on the cross, to reflect on his truths, and ponder God’s great mysteries. These are in line with meditation, yet they don’t quite hit the mark. They speak about it but do not emphasize the focused time needed to fuel the heart.
As one learns the truths of God they connect to the heart, but it is not automatic. The Spirit works in us to will and act for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). And that connection between the head and heart that is commended in Scripture and what the Spirit uses is meditation.
How to Meditate
So how does one go about meditating? There is not one formula or right method or “silver bullet”. A group we often look to for direction is the Puritans. They were careful not to prescribe one way for meditation. Thomas Manton cautioned Christians not to “bridle up the free spirit by the rules of method.”[iv] That said, there are common, basic elements to meditation. Again, Matthew Bingham is helpful here. I modified his recommendation and I offer a modest guide below.
A Suggestion to Help Begin
– Keep Scripture and Meditation together.
– Have purposeful times and occasional times to meditate throughout the day.
– Keep thinking on the truth you read and apply it.
This is not a method. It describes the Christian life. Read a passage (Any length. It can be a verse or longer, or part of a reading plan). Afterward, don’t just set it down, pray for understanding. The goal is not merely to gain information but to delight in God and treasure Christ. Then meditate on what you read–set aside some focused time and then later think on it throughout the day–intentionally think on God and his truths. And apply it to your life.
Let’s grow in this area together.
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[i] Matthew Bingham, A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation, Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2025, 131.
[ii] Thomas Watson, “How We May Read the Scriptures with Most Spiritual Profit,” in Puritan Sermons (1674; reprint, Wheaton, IL: Richard Owen Roberts, 1981), 2:62.
[iii] Matthew Bingham, “Transforming the Heart Through Meditating on the Word,” C.S. Lewis Institute, June 17, 2026,https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/transforming-the-heart-through-meditating-on-the-word/ (accessed August 12, 2026).
[iv] Matthew Bingham, A Heart Aflame for God, 147.