The Armory

Week 42 · Season 6 · Step 11: Prayer and Meditation

Sword of Contemplative Meditation

Renewing the Mind

Sword of the Spirit · Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 · ESV

Big idea

Understanding biblical meditation vs. Eastern practices; Lectio Divina and contemplative reading.

Biblical meditation is not emptying the mind. It is filling it. Psalm 1: the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates day and night. Philippians 4:8 gives the menu: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. Lectio Divina — read, reflect, respond, rest — is one classic way the church has wielded the Sword slowly.

Practice Lectio Divina on one verse every day. Meditate on Philippians 4:8 for ten minutes. Replace one negative thought with Scripture. Share one insight from the practice with the group.

Spiritual practice

Practice Lectio Divina on one verse every day.

48 weeks in the campaign