Meditating on God’s Word, His character, and His actions involves spending time with Him. While we can do that anytime, anywhere, most of us can focus better on God when we plan intentional times alone with Him without distractions.
Meditation, as used in the Bible, is like “chewing” on the truths in God’s Word: much like a cow chewing on its cud. While eating, a cow literally regurgitates its food. Then it chews that food again before finally digesting it and allowing the food to nourish its body and produce the milk we drink.
That’s what we are to do when we meditate on God and His Word. We spend quiet moments reading His truths, thinking about them, “swallowing” their goodness. Then we apply those truths to our lives, maybe even praying them back to God as we digest them. When we do that, God’s Word nourishes and strengthens our soul and draws us even closer to Him.
As you begin to read and reflect about God and His Word, here is a meditation prayer you might offer to Him:
A Beautiful Meditation Prayer
Lord, quiet my heart and still my soul as I wait on you during these moments alone. I recognize you as a holy and majestic God—one who deserves great praise and glory. All of creation testifies to your awesome and unique works. There is no one like you, no other god worthy of honor.
I want to focus on You, Lord, and to shut out all the distractions of the world. For these next few moments, it’s just you and me, God. You are Spirit, but you are a God who knows us so intimately. I like to imagine you literally sitting here beside me, because of your promise that you are Emmanuel—always “with us.”
As I think about the truths in your Word, may the meditation of my heart be sweet and honoring to you. I am not trying to clear out my mind. I simply want you to empty me of self and fill me with your Holy Spirit.
I long for your presence, Lord. Narrow my thoughts to include only those things that are honorable, truthful, beautiful, pure, and praiseworthy. I ask for your wisdom to apply these truths to my life morning, noon, and night—literally all through the day. For you are worthy to be praised all the time.
I remember your great faithfulness in the past and am so grateful that you shower fresh mercy and grace on me each morning. I rehearse your goodness through answered prayer and personal reminders to me daily of your love for me. Even when I feel alone or distant from you, you draw me back into your presence when I purposely slow down and draw close to you.
I treasure your Word and want to chew on the truths you reveal to me today. As I pull apart each piece and reflect on every principle and word of instruction, I’m asking you to guide me and teach me what you want me to know.
Is there a promise here for me to remember? Is there an action I need to take or a sin to forsake? Is there more for me to understand about your character? Help me personalize your message to my heart today. Your Word is powerful. I celebrate the strength and wisdom you will give me as I learn to honor and glorify you more.
I need you and love you, Lord. And I ask you to speak through your Word and in these quiet moments together. Whisper or shout into my spirit, whichever you want, and whatever I need the most. But most of all, just receive my praise as I focus my thoughts only on you. I’m listening and anticipating as I read and meditate on your beautiful Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
12 Bible Verses about Spending Time with God
- “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it…” (Joshua 1:8)
- “I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?” (Psalm 77:12-13)
- “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5)
- “Your majesty and glorious splendor have captivated me; I will meditate on Your wonders, sing songs of Your worth.” (Psalm 145:5 VOICE)
- “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
- “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)
- “Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” (James 4:8)
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.” (Philippians 4:8 VOICE)
- “I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night.” (Psalm 63:6 CEV)
- “I am always thinking of the Lord; and because he is so near, I never need to stumble or fall.” (Psalm 16:8 TLB)
- “How good it is to give thanks to the Eternal and to praise Your name with song, O Most High;To speak of Your unfailing love in the morningand rehearse Your faithfulness as night begins to fall.” (Psalm 92:1-2 VOICE)
- “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.” (Psalm 42:1)
One of the best ways to draw closer to God and to know Him better is to spend intentional moments with Him in quiet meditation. When we set aside time in our busy schedules to meditate on His Word, to pray, and to honor Him, we will find daily nourishment and strength in our relationship with God and with others.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to help others find joy and purposeful living through deeper intimacy with God. She has authored, coauthored, or contributed to over 20 books and has written over 2000 other articles, devotions, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.
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