Communion with God is a profound and intimate aspect of the Christian faith, where believers seek to connect with the Divine through various spiritual practices. One significant way saints have historically engaged in communion with God is through meditation. This practice involves deep reflection and contemplation on God's Word, His nature, and His works, allowing believers to draw closer to Him and experience His presence in their lives.

Biblical Foundation

Meditation is rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to ponder and reflect on God's Word. In Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse highlights the importance of constant meditation on God's Word as a means of communion with Him.

Similarly, Joshua 1:8 instructs, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." Here, meditation is linked to obedience and success, suggesting that through meditation, believers align themselves with God's will and purposes.

Historical Examples

Throughout church history, many saints have exemplified the practice of meditation as a means of communion with God. The early church fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo, emphasized the importance of meditative prayer and reflection on Scripture. Augustine's "Confessions" is a testament to his deep, contemplative relationship with God, where he often meditated on God's attributes and His work in his life.

The monastic tradition, particularly within the Benedictine order, also placed a strong emphasis on meditation. The Rule of St. Benedict encouraged monks to engage in "lectio divina," a practice of reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation, to foster a deeper communion with God.

Spiritual Benefits

Meditation as a form of communion with God offers numerous spiritual benefits. It allows believers to internalize Scripture, transforming their minds and hearts. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Through meditation, believers renew their minds, aligning their thoughts with God's truth.

Moreover, meditation fosters a sense of peace and rest in God's presence. Psalm 46:10 invites believers to "Be still, and know that I am God." In the stillness of meditation, saints find solace and assurance in God's sovereignty and love.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, engaging in meditation as a means of communion with God can be a transformative practice. Setting aside dedicated time for quiet reflection on Scripture, prayer, and contemplation can deepen one's relationship with God. Utilizing resources such as devotional guides, Bible commentaries, and spiritual writings can aid in this practice.

Incorporating meditation into daily life, whether through structured times of reflection or spontaneous moments of contemplation, allows believers to remain connected to God throughout their day. As they meditate on His Word and His presence, they experience the profound joy and peace that comes from communion with the Creator.Psalm 63:5,6
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Walking with God
... on his death-bed, Could these curtains, or could these walls speak, they would tell
you what sweet communion I have ... And such honor have all God's saints. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Treats of the Insecurity of Life in this Exile, However High we ...
... on your continual exercise of prayer and constant communion with God ... however much
we may have done for God, that we merit the reward of the saints, for we ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i treats of the.htm

Gerhard Tersteegen
... for uninterrupted meditation and communion with God, until that searching trial
of spiritual deadness fell upon him, which so many of God's saints have had to ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/gerhard tersteegen.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... and organisations for generals, and not for saints, to run ... The New Year began with
the Holy Communion and new vows ... he wrote, "and labour to know God better and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ...
... persons; if thy soul enjoy not more communion with God ... of the world to the kingdom
of saints; from earth ... sun, moon and stars, in the garden and paradise of God. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiii the nature of.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... glory will all the elect and redeemed saints have one day ... his father inquired at
him, Wherein our communion with God ... me in the all-sufficiency of God." Then he ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james.htm

Putting God to Work
... to God, intercourse with God, and communion with God ... the movements, history, and
unfolding progress of God's Church in ... have in the prayers of the saints and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Sixth Season
... attending on God, when it is engaged in communion with him ... O think upon this scripture:
"God is greatly to be feared in the assemblies of his saints, and to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

The Heart of Man and the Heart of God
... "Communion Day ... What can it be, but God's very heart beginning to drop its overflowing
strength and ... seen His power and His glory this day, as His saints are wont ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/iii the heart of man.htm

Meditation on God
... you not spend that time in tranquil communion with your ... midst horrors still to all
but God unknown. ... relationship with you; recollect that the saints of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/meditation on god.htm

How often should the Lord's Supper / Communion be observed? | GotQuestions.org

Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.org

Is intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.org

Communion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus