This activity is a modification of some of the basic meditation activities. The goal of the modifications is to help you intentionally focus on engaging both your mind/thoughts and heart/emotions with a passage of Scripture. Two different format options are given below. Choose one based on your personal preference and also the length of the passage you would like to meditate on. The Time with the Word option works well for most Scripture passages and is quite flexible. The Shift in Emphasis option is focused on meditating on a single verse or sentence.
Be gracious with yourself! Some people may find it easier to engage their minds, but more difficult to engage their emotions—and vice versa. And for some, it may be difficult to actually differentiate between mind and heart responses. Recognize your natural tendencies, and be intentional to engage fully with God. Be patient with yourself if some aspects of an activity feel stretching.
Option 1: Journaling with the Word
This format is more concrete and gives a visual comparison of your mind and heart responses. Before you start, print or write out your chosen passage on a full piece of paper. Leave space between each line, giving you room to journal in and around the text. You will also need two different colors of pen or pencil.
Transition
Spend a few moments in stillness and silence before the Lord. Commit the time of Scripture meditation to God in prayer.
Round One – Engaging Your Mind
Read slowly through the passage once or twice. As you read, what do you notice in the text? What makes you think? How does this passage interact with your understanding of yourself, God, and the world?
Next to the relevant words or phrases of Scripture, journal your thoughts in the form of written responses and prayers. Try not to make this an analysis of the text, but a written prayer and written notes of how God is using his word in your mind. Journal about your understanding of the passage and what God is saying to you. What thoughts, doubts, connections, or dissonance does the passage bring to your mind?
Round Two – Engaging Your Heart
Again, read slowly through the passage once or twice. This time, as you read, pay attention to how God’s word interacts with your heart, desires, and emotions. What strikes you? Are there any words, phrases, ideas, or images that evoke a response in your heart (whether positive or negative)?
Using a different colored pen or pencil, journal your thoughts in the form of written responses and prayers. In this, express to God how you feel about the passage and how it impacts you.
Closing
Finish with a few moments of stillness and silence before God. Look again at your journaled prayers and talk to God about the impact his Word has had on your mind and heart.
Option 2: Time with the Word
In this activity you will use a timer to give space for each step of the Scripture meditation. Try to choose a timer with a quiet/peaceful alarm sound. Once you have selected a short scripture passage for meditation, work through the following steps.
Silence
Set a timer for around 3 minutes. Sit in a comfortable position and take a minute to be still and silent—this can help prepare our minds and hearts to listen to God’s Word. It may be helpful to close your eyes during this time. Commit any anxieties or distractions to God, and seek to rest in him, knowing that he is with you. A short prayer or verse can sometimes help us set our minds on things above, and calm and quiet our souls.
Example verses:
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Reading – Engaging Your Mind
Turn to the text and read it out loud slowly 2-3 times. Don’t rush.
As you read, what do you notice in the text? What makes you think? Be curious. How does this passage interact with your understanding of yourself, God, and the world?
Meditation – Engaging Your Mind
Set a timer for around 5 minutes. During this time, dwell on the passage you just read and allow it to engage your mind. Talk with God about your understanding of the passage, what he is saying to you, and any thoughts, doubts, or dissonance that the passage evokes in your mind. You can have your eyes open or closed for this portion. Continue until the timer goes off.
Reading – Engaging Your Heart
Turn to the text again, and read it out loud slowly another 2-3 times. Don’t rush.
This time, as you read, pay attention to how God’s word interacts with your heart, desires, and emotions. What strikes you? Are there any words, phrases, ideas, or images that evoke a response in your heart (whether positive or negative)?
Meditation – Engaging Your Heart
Set a timer for around 5 minutes. During this time, dwell on the passage again and allow it to engage your heart. Talk with God about how the passage impacts you and how you feel about it. Continue meditating on the passage until the timer goes off.
Silence
Finish with a few moments of stillness and silence before God.
Then, take some time to journal about the impact his Word has had on your mind and heart.