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