Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. — Psalm 19:14
Do you long to deepen your intimacy with the Lord? To find a sense of soul-steadying peace? To develop emotional strength? Then you will need to pause long enough to be still and know He is God. Trusted Pastor Robert Morgan leads us through a journey into biblical meditation, which, he says, is thinking Scripture—not just reading Scripture or studying Scripture or even thinking about Scripture—but thinking Scripture, contemplating, visualizing, and personifying the precious truths God has given us.
The practice is as easy and portable as your brain, as available as your imagination, as near as your Bible, and the benefits are immediate. As you ponder, picture, and personalize God’s Word, you begin looking at life through His lens, viewing the world from His perspective. And as your thoughts become happier and holier and brighter, so do you.
“Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation: Find True Peace in Jesus” is an attractive, compact little book with a big title that makes a big promise. Written by Robert J. Morgan and published by Thomas Nelson in the spring of 2017, this book encourages (and guides) readers to find “the peace of meditation in a biblically sound way.” Although not large in size, the content is insightful and inspiring, and contains a vast amount of practical information to help readers incorporate biblical meditation into their lives each and every day.
“Biblical Meditation” is divided into 9 chapters, with additional features at the back including a 10-day meditation guide, suggested Scripture to begin meditating on, and more. Perhaps my favorite part of the book are the “Quick Tip” pages that are sprinkled generously throughout the book, and contain wonderful suggestions such as this one: “Write your own devotional book. Take a verse every day, meditate on it, and write a paragraph about its meaning to you. Consider posting your meditation, when appropriate, on social media.” Isn’t that a great idea? It’s so simple, yet I certainly wouldn’t have thought of it on my own! Or what about this one: “Many of our great hymns and praise songs are the products of someone who was meditating on a truth or verse of Scripture. Take a passage and convert it into your own song, poem, or prayer.” Another simple yet profound idea!
In the end, I highly recommend “Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation: Find True Peace in Jesus” for anyone, young or old, who wants to incorporate the power of God’s own words into their lives in a meaningful, impacting, long-lasting way. Although this process is still very much a work-in-progress for me, this volume is an amazing resource - and one that I am certain to come back to time and time again.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
"Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation" examines the practice of meditating on Scripture. The author started by explaining what biblical meditation is and the many benefits of practicing it (like peace, energy, hope, insights, etc.). He talked about biblical and modern examples of people who practiced biblical meditation and provided "quick tips" about practicing Biblical meditation. He also explained how to meditate on Scripture by pondering, personifying, and practicing the verses to help you to internalize these truths and gain God's perspective on life.
While it seemed like much of the book focused on convincing the reader to take up (and stick with) biblical meditation, I did feel comfortable that I could do it after completing this book. I enjoyed the 10-day meditation guide at the end, which takes you step-by-step through the "ponder, personify, practice" process using some verses quoted in the book. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book.
Side note: He included a story about having trouble sleeping once due to a sudden fear that popped into his mind, but meditating on a Scripture verse allowed him to fall back to sleep. I've been struggling with fears popping into my head when I'm trying to sleep, but I've been able to remain calm since I started pondering Bible verses as I go to bed. I felt like that story was just for me.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through BookLook.
An excellent little guide to remind us what good Biblical meditation looks like. As simple as pondering and hiding the Word in your heart and mind.
Some might find this small book "unnecessary" but I enjoyed it and was encouraged by Mr. Morgan's thoughts. He gives practical advice, tips throughout and helps us understand what meditation is as we study our Bibles.
Practical, down-to-earth, time-tested guide to learning how to use the lost art of Biblical meditation into real, everyday life. The author gave real-life examples of both himself and others of personal influence. If you want to learn to learn how to use the art of meditation, this would be a good guide to start with.
I had higher expectations of this book, given its author.
To recap: in Eastern religion, the purpose of meditation is to remove maya, the illusory nature of reality according to Hindu thought, or to achieve anatta, the process of shedding the self in Buddhism. In either case, this process systematically rids the mind of categories and filters.
In contrast, Biblical meditation is the careful installation and cultivation of a filter, through contemplation of Scripture, for the purposes of healing, purifying, and reshaping minds plagued by selfish impulses and wounded by trauma.
Morgan carefully and rightly distinguishes between these two distinct and opposing approaches in the first chapter. Then the book descends into Prosperity Theology by way of standard business marketing practices and goes completely off the rails. Oh look! Here's someone famous you know and respect! Here's what they had to say about this! Do as they did! Don't you want to be like them?
Who was this book even for? No religious student could take it seriously. Hindus and Buddhists alike would facepalm so hard their fingertips would be protruding through their gray matter.
The sad part is, there's a solid book concept in here, buried underneath all the Norman Vincent Peale-esque Chicken Soup For The Introverted Christian's Soul-style stories. If Morgan could've stopped Charting The Hits long enough to contemplate this, he might've noticed.
Unless for some reason you're drawn to the idea of a superficial attempt at both Biblical interpretation and meditation as inspired by Stephen Covey, stay far, far away from this one.
Meditation in the United States, has, unfortunately been relegated to an eastern, religious act to draw oneself closer to illumination. By the emptying of one’s mind with rhythmic breathing, the spirit of an individual can contact the source of illumination. This influence may become a barrier when a person reads the Bible and notes verses about meditation on the Word of God.
In his book, Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation, Robert J. Morgan seeks to correct this misunderstanding and introduce the reader to Biblical meditation for spiritual growth and wisdom. Morgan has seen the benefit of meditation, done Biblically, and wants fellow Christian to benefit as well.
Morgan starts off with explaining meditation from a Biblical understanding and then gives ways to use meditation spiritual development. Such development can aid in areas such as: caming of the spirit, insight into God’s Will, and the wonder of God to name a few. By meditating, a Christian can focus on God and His wisdom thus growing deeper in faith and understanding of Scripture.
Morgan also has a download of guided meditations. These guided meditations are set to music with Morgan reading passages of Scripture in a metre format. This should be a good start for those wanting to embrace Biblical meditation and develop habits of proper meditational tactics.
I found this book to helpful in its explanation of meditation. Its short length acts as a decent primer on meditation and can be read in a short time span. This makes it ideal for developing good habits of meditation but not so lengthy as to lose the reader who wants to start as soon as possible.
There is also a meditation guide in the back for the reading of Scripture. Passages are given then brief instructions on how to meditate on those passages. Again, a nice tool to have to encourage the development of meditational tactics.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Great book. Very readable. Morgan builds the case for Biblical meditation and gives scriptural, historical, personal examples of the value and how-to.
Each chapter begins with a verse notation. Each chapter has a useful Quick Tip.
Great quote: "Our pressures drive us to His principles, lead us to His person. By meditating on His principles and person, we persevere through our struggles and arrive at praise. Then we have a message to preach to others" (& ourselves!, I might add) p83
Another: "Biblical meditation has a way of turning our attention from the problems we face to the face of the God we serve." p83
PONDER: Read the passage attentively, perhaps aloud. If you have time, read the passage in the fuller context. Imagine the Lord speaking these verses to you in a personal way. Take time to focus on each word and seek to understand what it means.
PERSONALIZE: Now consider what this passage means to you. Read it meditatively to prompt your thoughts. Don't think of this as an academic exercise but as personal reflection. Let God speak to your heart as you mull over the verses He's given you in Scripture. If the Lord were sitting down beside you, and speaking audibly to you, what verse, phrase, word, truth, command, would affect you most deeply?
PRACTICE: At the end of your time, jot down that verse or phrase to take with you into the day. You might write it on a note card, a page in your calendar, or an easily retrievable place on your phone. Review it all day, as you shower, drive, walk, work, or rest. Think about it as you fall asleep tonight. Try sharing it with someone. Put into practice and do whatever it says.
This book and the app "Scripture Typer" are a solid combo.
I have read a number of books recently about meditating on scripture. Some are too vague, some are too technical, some tell you a whole loaf of history you might not be that interesting. Some of those books have their place.
If you want to just start meditating on the words in your bible then this book will lead you in a conversational way to be doing exactly that.
Instead of a detailed instruction manual this is a book of experiences. It makes it easy to understand what biblical meditation is, why you would want to do it and how you can easily go about it. At the end there are are a while bunch of verses set aside that you can start with.
Even whilst you are reading this book you will find that you are meditating on scripture. You will fall back in love with your bible.
First, getting a grip on God’s Word requires the four fingers of hearing it, reading it, studying it, and memorizing it. But the thumb that strengthens the grip is meditation.
By meditation, we view our circumstances differently. We see our world from another angle. And because His thoughts are becoming our thoughts as we develop the mind of Christ, we are then able to relax, to trust, to quiet ourselves, and to discover peace and confidence.
In much the same way as our bodies crave physical food, our spirits crave spiritual food.
Ours is a shallow age. Our thoughts are shallow, superficial, and empty. But God wants people who will live hallowed lives in a hollow world. Biblical meditation is a key way to build depth and substance into who we are and who we’re coming to be. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This is one of the most refreshing books I've read over the past year. What is contained in these pages is a depth of attachment to the Word, simplicity of devotion and excitement for the truth.
Morgan is an excellent communicator who weaves Scriptures, anecdotal materials and practical advise in a highly accessible way. He gently prods the reader to move towards a lifestyle of devouring the Bible through reading and memorization.
What appeals to me most is the way this work captures the holistic value of living under the truth of God's Word. The book is void of shallow gimmickry and the common abuses sometimes evident in those speaking about the promises of God. This is a guide to deeper intimacy with Jesus. It is a beacon to those who want to live by God's Shalom in an anxiety-saturated world. It is a welcomed contribution to pilgrims on this spiritual journey.
El autor de Recuperemos el arte perdido de la meditación bíblica: Encuentre verdadera paz en Jesús (Editorial Vida, 2020), Robert J. Morgan, nos entrega en su libro distintas ideas sobre lo que es la meditación a través de las Escrituras y describe sus beneficios para nuestra vida, tales como: “el crecimiento espiritual, la fortaleza emocional, una intimidad más profunda con el Señor y una paz que estabiliza nuestra alma” (p. x). Desde el título de este libro, cada capítulo es un llamado a que formemos un hábito y desarrollemos la habilidad de comprender mejor la Palabra de Dios por medio de la reflexión.
I have recently these past few years realized we are living in an age in which our minds are being changed in disturbing ways. Because of the instant gratification of technology (especially the internet, social media, etc.) our minds are having a harder time focusing on deeper thought and meaning. I don't know if it was a coincidence but I started feeling like doing many of the things this book said to do before I even read it, which I think was interesting. I have been implementing the recommendations this book gives and have found myself loving and desiring scripture on a deeper level
I have been hoping to start meditating on verses from the Bible, so I chose this book to help me get started. It is full of information and suggestions on both how to get started and illustrations of exactly how to go through a verse and meditate on it. I am very pleased with its thorough coverage of the subject matter. I have bookmarked passages to review and will begin that soon. If you are interested in learning the skill of Biblical meditation, I highly recommend this book.
Con un lenguaje sencillo y práctico el autor recapitula los motivos por los cuales debemos ser intencionales en meditar en la Palabra de Dios. Enfatiza la importancia de llenar nuestras mentes con la verdad de la Palabra de Dios y los beneficios que esta trae a nuestro diario vivir. Al final del libro el autor da una serie de pasajes de la Biblia para meditar y propone un método sencillo para hacerlo.. reflexione, personalice y practique! Encontré este libro bastante motivador y práctico
In this book, Robert Morgan emphasises the importance and the value of meditating on Scripture, memorising Scriptures and making it more a part of your daily life. Reading this book has encouraged me a lot to commit to memorising many of the wonderful truths and promises we have in the Bible and can apply to our daily lives!
Truly life changing...the author has used simple explanations on how to meditate equipping you to start the amazing journey too,plus stories..so good stories!!meditating on scripture changed my life.It's made me more alert and sober,wiser,I love the amazing heart prompting s i get on a verse when am in need of advise...Definitely worth reading again.
This was a fantastic little book on the value of scripture meditation. Inspiring and practical! Was so inspired by the promises of true success and prospering that come with a habit of meditation that are found in Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1, and James 1: 21;25. Read those three passages carefully if you need motivation!
Although this book is bound like a vacuous coffee table book, I’m happy to say that the manner of binding is not reflected in the text. It’s a serious book with insightful comment and useful suggestions. Very practical. I left a very few pages unsullied by underlining, although smeared, on the magazine-slick photo finish pages. I recommend it highly. It is stitched and lays flat.
A simple practical guide for any and all seeking to cultivate a more contemplative life. Great place to start for those who are new to the concept of meditating on scripture.
Good stuff. Going to set it on my nightstand and read it again sometime soon. Also, after I complete my use (first use, that is) of Peter Scazzero's Daily Office, I'll walk through the ten meditations that this book holds.
I am new to biblical meditation so this book helped me gain a better understanding of the practice and the heart behind it. The meditation guide at the end of the book helped me put what I learned into practice. It has helped me begin to build a habit of meditating in scripture each day.
Encouraging and practical,guide to a lost discipline
Morgan offers great insight into why Biblical meditation is vital and how to practice it. His book includes a guide at the end to get you started, as well as a list of scripture to work through.
I started reading this book, slowly at first. I've wanted to start meditation for a number of years but with the current hype wanted to be sure I was doing so in a way the honored my beliefs. And then it clicked and I'm so thankful to have this resource!
This book gives practical steps to learning and being disciplined in the art of biblical meditation. Rich in scripture, knowledge and powerful testimonies, it will change the way you view scripture and think about God.
I like that the author is well read and shares his knowledge. At times he can be a little long winded, but it's a good book and I learned a lot. He's a long time pastor and it come across in how he shares these truths on the benefits of meditation.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because it has inspired and taught me the value of truly meditating on scriptures. To hunger for God's word and to put it into practice. Robert J Morgan is a great teacher of God's word.
One of the best Bible studies I have read in a long time! Half of my book is highlighted and there are notes in all of the margins. A book I will return to frequently!
This is a thoughtful guide to spending more time unlocking God's word. In a busy world slowing down to think about Biblical truth is healing to body, mind, and soul.