This is a continuance from Part 1 on “That Secret Place: Time Alone with God in Silent Sacred Space: Awaken Your Spiritual Life to Close Relationship with God.”

Prayer, Meditation & Contemplation

A contemplative approach to spirituality is not the norm for most regular church-attenders. The term itself may confuse. You may envision some form of transcendental meditation. The practice of meditating in the silence is not TM. This is a spiritual discipline undertaken to grow closer to God and live an authentic spiritual life.

To those with concerns, who believe practicing a meditative approach to spirituality is contrary or adding on to God’s Word–by elevating personal experience as equal in value to the inspired biblical text–I assure you, that is not the case.  We guard the fidelity with which we approach and interpret scripture. 

What is true, however, is that biblical-based meditation has a place at the table. Some of the ancients understood this. They partook of what God offers as they sought God to know and follow Him. Some in the faith community seek to know God in this way.

Some are less likely to embrace contemplative Christianity or anything that resembles the mystical side of religious experience. We, and I say, we–for I was taught and hold most of these same beliefs and religious leanings–have been cautious or suspicious of any spiritual teachings too experiential-based. There is reason for this concern.

Christianity’s foundation rests in truth as in what is absolute truth. What is true about God, Christ, and the validity of God’s Word form this foundation. As Christians, we strive to be faithful to the teachings of Christ, God, the Spirit, and the holy scriptures. 

God’s Word shows us how to live through its message, theology, and redemptive story. Our personal experiences related to our spiritual beliefs dovetail in sync with biblical edification, spiritual growth, and godly transformation. Serious followers of God don’t want to stray from rightly dividing the Word of God.

Meditating on scripture doesn’t take away from, rather, it adds to. Those of you who are familiar with Jesus Calling and its sister books like Jesus Always, know what meditating produces. Sarah Young’s books are examples of personal recordings of thoughts God gives during her times alone with Him. They align with scripture and are true to God and His Word. They “add on,” in that they minister to the heart in a personal way.

That Secret Place shows how to draw close to God in this same way.

More later.

. . .

Photo by Victoria Bilsborough, Unsplash