SERMON SHORT FOR SEPTEMBER 20th, 2020
A CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE – MEDITATION
Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 6:5-15, Psalm 1
The first chapter of Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline, addresses meditation as a Christian practice. It is very much a God ordained practice for us. The Psalms opens with a blessing to the one who meditates and there are many references to it throughout the scriptures. The words used in the Hebrew writings for meditation carry with them the sense of listening to God’s word, reflecting on God’s works, ruminating on God’s law, and more. There is a sense of a changed behavior as a result of our encounter with the living God.
Meditation can be a very directed and structured practice as with the lectio divina method. It can also follow a very open and free flowing introspection – opening your spirit to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes gentle music enhances the practice but times of total silence are also good. With or without candles, incense, partners – meditation practices can be as varied as we are.
Meditation “is a way of life. You will be constantly learning and growing as you plumb the inner depths.” (Foster)