Scriptures: Philippians 4:8-9, Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:1-2, Psalms 48:9

Think About These Things

An Introduction to Christian Meditation

Many practices can help us cultivate a habit of silence and stillness, but one that has been profoundly helpful to me, personally, is meditation. I have found that a regular practice of meditation can help nurture the spiritual habit of being still, gently guiding us to become comfortable with silence as we participate in the slow and holy process of spiritual growth. 

Christian meditation, particularly Scripture meditation, is a classical spiritual discipline rooted deeply in the Bible and in ancient Christian practice. Meditation is a way of communing with God through pondering His Word. J. I. Packer describes Christian meditation as “an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.”* 

Meditation is a holy habit that plays an important role in our spiritual growth. The Bible itself encourages us to meditate regularly: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8 ESV). “Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1–2 NIV). “O God, we meditate on your unfailing love” (Psalm 48:9 NIV). 

When we meditate, we turn our thoughts away from unhelpful thinking patterns and shift away from ruminations of the past and worries about the future. But we also need something to direct our thoughts toward. 

Philippians 4:8–9 gives us a helpful guide for the kinds of things we should focus our thoughts on — the things we should meditate upon. Think about these things. Put them into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Sounds simple enough, right? But thoughts can be tricky. In an effort to think about all the “right” kinds of things, it can be easy to scrutinize and judge every single thought that comes into your mind and heap shame on yourself because of any not-so-perfect thoughts. 

Can I reach out and wrap my arms around you and offer you a bit of grace here, a bit of freedom? The truth about thoughts is this: thoughts are just thoughts. Even intrusive or unwanted thoughts hold no power unless you give it to them. Ruminating, worrying, or stressing about negative or intrusive thoughts will only give them more power. To minimize their control over your mind, do what Paul described as “taking every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5 HCSB). We do this not by obsessing over our thoughts but by simply being mindful of them — noticing their presence with an attitude of compassion and grace — then intentionally shifting them toward something healthier and more edifying. This takes a lot of practice. A mindfulness activity, such as trains of thought may be especially helpful. 

As trains of thought pass through your mind, simply observe them. If it’s an intrusive, negative, or dishonorable thought, let it ride right by. Don’t climb aboard or try to explore it. Don’t try to figure it out. As you let those thoughts pass by, intentionally turn your attention toward a different train, something more edifying for your mind and soul. 

In the guided meditations in this Bible Reading Plan, we’re going to hop onto some new “trains” and explore them a bit. Over time, this practice will help us be more intentional about the thought trains we choose to board and spend time on. Rather than focusing on the loud, anxious thoughts taking up so much of our attention and time, we can compassionately choose to turn our focus toward trains of thought that are more beneficial to us. 

Each of the following meditations will focus on one of the categories from Philippians 4: what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. You’ll see as we meditate through various passages that these themes of focus overlap in many ways, together creating a complete picture of the kind of thinking that will help our roots grow deep and help our minds find greater peace as we grow in our knowledge and trust of God. 

As we move into these meditations, it’s important to remember that meditation is a practice that takes practice. I recommend starting small. If you are just beginning, don’t jump into a full thirty-minute meditation session every single day. You will likely become discouraged quickly and give up. It’s okay to build the practice slowly. I’ve included thirty guided meditations in this book, enough for a full month, but you don’t have to do a different one, or even a full one, every day. I suggest starting with just one meditation a week, focusing on one section every day. Meditate on a single Scripture passage, and then live with that text for the whole week, contemplating it periodically throughout your days. Narrow the passage to just a single verse or phrase. Memorize it. Pray it throughout your week. Then grow your meditative muscle by adding more time of focused meditation the next week. 

Scriptures: Psalms 119:159-168, Psalms 33:4

The Word of God is True 

If we’re going to fix our minds on whatever is true, then God Himself and His Word should be our first focus. God’s Word is the source of truth because God Himself is true. 

David knew this. Over and over throughout the book of Psalms, we see him and other psalmists turn to God and His Word. Psalm 33:4 declares, “For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does,” and Psalm 19:7 says, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 119 in particular is filled with continual expressions of love for the instructions, laws, and promises of God. In fact, God’s written revelation, His Word, is referred to in at least 171 of the 176 verses. 

In verses 159–168, David expressed his love for God’s Word — a love rooted in the firm belief that God can be trusted and everything He says is true. David also expressed his hatred for falsehood and lies, because lying is in opposition to truth and God’s Word and doesn’t produce anything good, but the love of truth — the love of God’s instruction, of His Word — brings “abundant peace” (v. 165 HCSB). 

Silence 

Begin with a time of silence.

Still your body. . .Slow your breathing. . .Quiet your mind. 

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. 

Opening Prayer 

God of all truth,

I bring my whole self to You right now — just as I am. 

Help me to focus my mind on You today. Turn my thoughts to the truth of Your Word. 

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is true. 

Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give.

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You.

Amen. 

Read & Meditate 

Read through Psalm 119: 159-168 three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.

1. Read through the passage slowly. 

What is one word or phrase that stands out to you? 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, meditate on this word or phrase. 

2. Read through the passage a second time. 

This time, prayer through the passage, reading phrase by phrase. Talk to God, pausing to listen and respond to Him as you read. 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, bring your attention to the present moment. 

3. Read through the passage a third time. 

Sit in stillness again as you contemplate the word or phrase that stood out to you and how it may apply to your life right now. 

Notice 

Notice your body: What are you feeling right now? 

Notice your thoughts: What are you thinking right now? 

Notice your circumstances: What is happening in your life right now? 

Compassionately consider these things, and listen to what the Holy Spirit may be revealing to you in light of today’s reading and meditation. What invitation might God be extending to you today? If you would like, take out a journal and write what God is inviting you to. 

Surrendering Prayer 

As I prepare to enter into the rest of my day, Lord, 

Calm the lies in my head and the fears that steal my peace. Help me to turn my mind to truth and to trust Your loving heart for me. 

May my pace be slow and unhurried, ever aware of Your presence with me. 

May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment. 

May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others. Today, I give You my worries, and I choose to trust the truth of Your Word. 

Keep turning my thoughts to whatever is true. Transform me to be more like You. 

Amen. 

Embody 

Continue to contemplate the word and invitation God gave you today. 

Consider: What are some lies that your fears are telling you today? What truth can you intentionally focus on instead?

Scriptures: Hebrews 1:3-4, Hebrews 1:10-12

Jesus is Worthy of Honor 

The author of Hebrews wrote this letter to a group of early Christians to address false teachings emerging among these believers and strengthen their wavering faith. This community of believers was likely suffering persecution because of their new faith. Things were hard for these new believers, and they were struggling and suffering. But before addressing the specific issues they were facing, the author has them turn their attention to Jesus. 

In times of suffering, we can look to Jesus. We can turn our thoughts to the One who is most worthy of honor.

The beginning of this letter boldly clarifies exactly who Jesus is, setting Him apart from previous prophets and religious leaders and establishing Him as greater than the angels. Jesus is the divine and incarnate Son of God. He sits at the place of honor at the right hand of God. He should be the focus of our highest honor and worship. If we want to fix our thoughts on whatever is honorable, let’s fix our eyes and our hearts on Jesus. 

Silence 

Begin with a time of silence. 

Still your body. . .Slow your breathing. . . Quiet your mind. 

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. 

Opening Prayer 

Jesus, Light of the World, 

There is no one like You. You radiate the glory of God. Shine Your light into my life today. Light up all the dark places with Your glorious presence. 

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is honorable. 

Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give. 

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You. 

Amen. 

Read & Meditate 

Read through Hebrews 1:3-4, 10-12 three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. 

1. Read through the passage slowly.

What is one word or phrase that stands out to you? 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, meditate on this word or phrase. 

2. Read through the passage a second time.

This time, prayer through the passage, reading phrase by phrase. Talk to God, pausing to listen and respond to Him as you read. 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, bring your attention to the present moment. 

3. Read through the passage a third time. 

Sit in stillness again as you contemplate the word or phrase that stood out to you and how it may apply to your life right now. 

Notice 

Notice your body: What are you feeling right now? 

Notice your thoughts: What are you thinking right now? 

Notice your circumstances: What is happening in your life right now? 

Compassionately consider these things, and listen to what the Holy Spirit may be revealing to you in light of today’s reading and meditation. What invitation might God be extending to you today? If you would like, take out a journal and write what God is inviting you to. 

Surrendering Prayer 

As I prepare to enter into the rest of my day, Lord, 

May my pace be slow and unhurried, ever aware of Your presence with me. 

May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment. 

May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others. 

Jesus, You are the Maker and Sustainer of all things. You are the anchor of my soul, a sure and steady Rock through every storm. 

Today, I release the need to try so hard to keep it all together, and I rest in You, the keeper of my soul, knowing You hold me safe and secure. 

Keep turning my thoughts to whatever is honorable. Transform me to be more like You. 

Amen. 

Embody 

Continue to contemplate the word and invitation God gave you today. 

Consider: How can you invite Jesus, the divine and incarnate Son of God, into the messy parts of your life? How can you show that He is worthy of honor today?

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Admirable Attention 

Mary and Martha were the sisters of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. In this passage we are privy to just a small moment in their lives when Jesus and his disciples had stopped at their home. We quickly see that the two women had very different focuses. While Martha was busy working to serve their guests, Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to His teaching. Martha was focused on service while Mary was focused on presence. Both were doing good things, but when we consider the attitude and the attention of the heart, Mary chose better. 

Hospitality was exceedingly important in the culture of that time, but Martha got lost in distractions and overwhelmed by tasks and grew irritated with Mary. At that time in society, a woman’s value was in her service to her family and guests at home. But Mary went against these societal expectations. When Martha confronted Jesus about it, He gently corrected her. Martha’s worry and distraction were taking her attention away from being truly present with Him. 

Mary’s example of attention to Jesus, her priority of receiving God’s Word, is admirable. 

Silence 

Begin with a time of silence. 

Still your body. . . Slow your breathing. . .Quiet your mind. 

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. 

Opening Prayer 

Ever-present Savior,

Though storms may swirl and whirl around me today, I choose to turn my attention to You. When You are near, no fear can capsize me. You calm the wind and the waves. 

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is admirable. 

Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give.

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You. 

Amen.

Read & Meditate 

Read through Luke 10:38-42 three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. 

1. Read through the passage slowly.

What is one word or phrase that stands out to you? 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, meditate on this word or phrase. 

2. Read through the passage a second time.

This time, prayer through the passage, reading phrase by phrase. Talk to God, pausing to listen and respond to Him as you read.

Pause & Pray 

In silence, bring your attention to the present moment. 

3. Read through the passage a third time. 

Sit in stillness again as you contemplate the word or phrase that stood out to you and how it may apply to your life right now. 

Notice 

Notice your body: What are you feeling right now? 

Notice your thoughts: What are you thinking right now? 

Notice your circumstances: What is happening in your life right now? 

Compassionately consider these things, and listen to what the Holy Spirit may be revealing to you in light of today’s reading and meditation. What invitation might God be extending to you today? If you would like, take out a journal and write what God is inviting you to. 

Surrendering Prayer 

As I prepare to enter into the rest of my day, Lord, 

May my pace be slow and unhurried, ever aware of Your presence with me. 

May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment. 

May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others. 

Many things vie for my attention, but One is better than them all. In all that I do, make me mindful of You. Whether I serve or sit, whether I work or wait, may my mind be on You and my joy found in You. 

Today, I will set aside the distractions, and I will sit at Your feet and rest in Your presence. 

Keep turning my thoughts to whatever is admirable. Transform me to be more like You. 

Amen. 

Embody 

Continue to contemplate the word and invitation God gave you today. 

Consider: What is taking your attention away from Jesus? What one thing can you do today to slow down your pace? What worry do you need to release?

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-26

The Excellent Hope of God 

The book of Lamentations was written by and for people who had suffered unimaginable trauma. The Babylonians had torn down the walls of their city, knocked down their homes, burned down the temple, and executed the royal family. Everything they relied on for safety, security, comfort, and even identity had been stripped away. 

Trauma can affect us in profound and lasting ways. We might push aside our pain or hide our feelings in an effort to “look on the bright side.” Or maybe we feel it is embarrassing or weak to share our suffering. But God never said we should suffer in silence. Both lamenting the wrong that was done and expressing the difficult emotions that we feel are important and necessary. Lamentations begs to bear witness to pain, to sit with grief, and to give ourselves time to feel its weight, while also reminding us that there is still hope. 

In this passage we find this hope. We see a brave act of remembering truths that transcend, though they do not remove or replace, the weight of suffering. We see people in pain who have written the love of God on their very hearts. 

Silence 

Begin with a time of silence. 

Still your body. . .Slow your breathing. . .Quiet your mind. 

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now.

Opening Prayer 

God of hope and peace, 

I am weary and worn down. Renew me today with Your Spirit. Still my anxious mind, and give me peace. Restore my joy as I turn my thoughts to You. 

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is excellent. 

Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give. 

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You. 

Amen. 

Read & Meditate 

Read through Lamentations 3:19-26 three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. 

1. Read through the passage slowly.

What is one word or phrase that stands out to you? 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, meditate on this word or phrase. 

2. Read through the passage a second time.

This time, prayer through the passage, reading phrase by phrase. Talk to God, pausing to listen and respond to Him as you read. 

Pause & Pray 

In silence, bring your attention to the present moment. 

3. Read through the passage a third time. 

Sit in stillness again as you contemplate the word or phrase that stood out to you and how it may apply to your life right now. 

Notice 

Notice your body: What are you feeling right now? 

Notice your thoughts: What are you thinking right now? 

Notice your circumstances: What is happening in your life right now? 

Compassionately consider these things, and listen to what the Holy Spirit may be revealing to you in light of today’s reading and meditation. What invitation might God be extending to you today? If you would like, take out a journal and write what God is inviting you to. 

Surrendering Prayer 

As I prepare to enter into the rest of my day, Lord, 

May my pace be slow and unhurried, ever aware of Your presence with me. 

May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment. 

May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others. 

Help me remember: Even when I’m weary of waiting, You never stop working. When I’m struggling to hold on, You keep holding on to me. When hope is drowned out by darkness and pain, You are the Light—and You are always, always with me. 

Today, even if the worst comes, You won’t let go of me, and I won’t let go of hope. 

Keep turning my thoughts to whatever is excellent. Transform me to be more like You. 

Amen. 

Embody 

Continue to contemplate the word and invitation God gave you today. 

Consider: What is the worst thing that could happen today? How can you choose to hope even in the midst of this big worst-case worry?