Ignatian Meditation is another tool designed to draw us into deep relationship with Jesus. During March's Spiritual Formation night we used this discipline as means to be with God. Jason helped lead this station during that evening and asked us to be present within the scripture and allow our imagination to take us to places God intends us to go. Here are some of Jason's notes on Ignatian Meditation.
Why meditate on scripture?
- Meditation helps us to become "careful to do everything written in the Word" (Joshua 1:8).
- It is mentioned more than 15 times in the psalms. (Ps 48:9, 77:2, 143:5 145:5, 119:15)
- It is a spiritual discipline, which is practicing how to become attentive to that small voice and a chance to be willing to respond when we hear it.
How is meditation on Scripture different from study of Scripture?
In the Study Method You...
- Dissect the text
- Ask questions about the text
- Read and compare facts and new ways of applying the facts.
In Meditation Method You...
- Hear the text and enter into it
- Let the text ask questions of you
- Read and let God speak to you
How Do We Do This?
- Be a "fly on the wall." If you had been present, what sights, sounds, tastes, smells and textures would you have experienced?
- Let God put you in the passage, perhaps becoming the person Jesus is speaking to. Let Jesus look you in the eyes, sitting face to face, and speak to you. What do you sense as Jesus speaks to you? What facial expressions do you notice?
- Use your imagination, but still be WORD-centered
- Approach Scripture in a non-controlling manner: Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls (James 1:21).
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