Christian Meditation vs. Prayer: What’s the Difference?
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Prayer is a simple one for most Christians to consider. Meditation is more generally misunderstood and even suspect at times. Both are scripturally based practices, but they are accomplishing different things that create a healthier relationship with God. Below are some of the key differences and how Christian meditation complements prayer and why both are so valuable for a stronger faith.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is talking to God; it is, therefore, a conscious act. That is, one speaks to God in prayer by words, thoughts, or written words. There are certain elements of prayer:
- Petition: Asking God for assistance, direction, provision, or healing.
- Intercession: Prayer on behalf of others.
- Thanksgiving: Giving thanks to Him for favors.
- Praise and Worship: Declaring His greatness and faithfulness.
- Confession: Seeking forgiveness for the sins we have committed and repenting of them.
Prayer is an active, two-way dialogue in which we hear from God and speak to Him. The Bible instructs that we actually "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), referring to a stance of ongoing communication with God.
What Is Christian Meditation?
Christian meditation involves silently reflecting upon God's Word, God's presence, and God's truth. Instead of trying to quiet the mind as in secular meditation, Christian meditation is aimed at filling the mind with God's truth. This involves:
- Meditating on Scriptures: Repeating, contemplating, and absorbing God's Word (Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8)
- Stillness: Resting in God's presence without disturbance
- Reflections: Contemplating God's promises and how they relate to us.
- Listening: Tuning in to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10). Christian meditation makes stillness possible so that we might hear more clearly from God and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Key Differences Between Prayer and Christian Meditation
| Aspect | Prayer | Christian Meditation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Communicating with God, seeking His help, and building a relationship. | Quiet reflection, absorbing God’s Word, and resting in His presence. |
| Focus | Speaking to God, listening for His response. | Dwelling on God’s Word, listening in stillness. |
| Expression | Verbal, mental, or written words. | Silent reflection, deep thought. |
| Biblical Basis | Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:6 | Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 46:10 |
How Prayer and Meditation Work Together
Though distinct, prayer and meditation support each other wonderfully. Prayer helps us to pray our thoughts, wishes, and adoration to God. Meditation, conversely, assists in receiving and assimilating His truth. Together:
- We pray in order to talk with God and meditate in order to listen from Him.
- We pray in order to ask for wisdom and meditate in order to think about His responses.
- We pray in order to declare faith and meditate in order to make it stronger.
My Personal Approach
You may do both—prayer and meditation each has its own time. Prayer is our time to talk, to thank, and to hear God. Meditation is a time to purify our minds and hearts. I personally like to meditate after praying and reading my Bible. I like to meditate on the scriptures, making them touch deep inside my heart. My most favorite scripture is Psalm 121 and it reminds me that my help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. This prayer and meditation has been so helpful to me in becoming peaceful and clear in my walk with God.
Final Thoughts
Both prayer and Christian meditation are wonderful spiritual disciplines that cause us to become richer in faith, more aware of God's presence, and better rooted in our journey with Christ. Prayer places us in a continual conversation with God, and meditation causes us to stop and hear. Both, together and side by side, make for a complete, well-rounded spiritual life grounded in God's Word and presence.
Ready to incorporate Christian meditation into your daily life? Come join us for the next lesson on meditating on scripture for deeper faith!