The dictionary defines meditation as ? quiet thought, reflection ? especially on sacred or solemn objects. ? A 20^th century South African minister named Andrew Murray wrote that meditation is ? holding the word of God in the mind until it has affected every area of one?s life and character. ? Like we who claim the name of Christ and trust in the actions of God in our life, Murray has laid claim to that which is sacred and solemn and called the object of our meditation God.  And, in particular Murray implores us to reflect on God?s word.

     It?s hard to learn this art ? to commit to this practice ?  of meditation. We are so busy. So rushed to use our time wisely that often we fail to use time wisely at all. And for the Christian, often that misuse of time means that we neglect our need to pray, to read scripture, and to meditate. We cheat ourselves when that is the case. One of the daily needs of the Christian life is time spent well with God.

     Sometimes I think that we are afraid of a couple of things: 1) We don?t really know what to say to God; and, 2) We aren?t sure that we want to be that intimate with God for fear of discerning what God might actually be calling us to do or commit to. Speaking to the latter of those two concerns first, we need to be reminded that intimacy is important to God. God desires to know us completely and for us to participate in knowing God completely, too. We have nothing to fear from God. God is for the human creation. God desires to be and remain in constant, close relations with humanity. True enough, that close relationship with God may cause us to reevaluate who we are and what we do but that is part of the process of our salvation. And, God will deliver us through.

     As for feeling inadequate in our ability to speak to God we need to be reminded of Paul?s words in the 8^th chapter of Romans. Paul wrote that ? when we don?t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with words too deep for human sighs. ? This is one of the most comforting verses in scripture. Despite our limitations ? God is unlimited. And God is willing to grant unlimited access to God?s power for us and for others as we pray.

     You are encouraged to discover the beauty, the power, and the freedom of quiet, reflective thought on God and God?s word. Make yourself ? and that?s what you have to do ? make yourself be quiet. And still. And listen. This quote on meditation is attributed to an anonymous 19^th century peasant, ? I don?t say anything to God. I just sit there and look at God and let God look at me. ? Maybe those words give us a good place to start.

      Grace and peace