"True contemplation is not a psychological trick but a theological grace." Thomas Merton.
In order for Christians to move into a deeper place in their daily walk with the Lord, we need to be 'willing to enter into the world of contemplation.' This discipline was practiced by those who were close to the heart of God - Moses (Ex 33:11), Elijah (1 Kings 19), Isaac (Gen 24: 63, and David ( Ps 63:6, Ps 1:2, Ps 119:148) etc.
The term 'meditation' refers to listening to the Lord when He speaks: reflecting on His works and thinking about His laws, principles and statutes. It differs from the eastern practice of meditation by the fact that there is a change which occurs deep in our inner man as we spend time with Him in this way, culminating in repentence and obedience. One is changed through this Godly encounter.
Throughout the gospels we read about how Jesus Himself spent time maintaining intimate time with the Father, modelling for us the importance of hearing and obeying. In John 5:30 it states'The Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing; for whatever He does, that the Son does likewise.' He knew how to abide in the Father, thereby establishing a living, fulfilling fellowship with Him.
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