It is said that taking time to reflect and think through important matters is always a good practice, and it can be particularly beneficial for Christians. However, whenever we contemplate, we do so not by our own wisdom but by God’s. This means that we don’t think things through based on what we think is right but by what God says is right and truthful. This also means that we process things not through our perspective but from God’s perspective, as He has shown through His revealed will in the Scriptures. That is one of the applications of the fear of the LORD. We think about and contemplate certain matters in line with God’s definition of what is true and right.
Heavenly Father, as I contemplate and reflect on certain matters in my life, may I contemplate upon them through the lens of Your Word, which is truth. Give me the wisdom, understanding, and insight I need to have a fruitful reflection on what I am contemplating. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Why Should We Contemplate?
Contemplation is important for us Christians, as it is one of the practical actions we can take to grow and live in holiness. We may not be aware of it, but we do a lot of contemplation as we journey through our Christian faith. Whether in the form of contemplation, self-reflection, or self-examination, we do it primarily to honor God and live more godly and upright lives (Titus 2:11-12). Perhaps you have found yourself thinking about choosing option A or B and debating which action would glorify God the most. That, as common as it may be, is an example of contemplation. You are contemplating which choice would be most glorifying to God and wise in His eyes.
The Bible itself prescribes us to contemplate and examine ourselves. In Psalm 119:59, the psalmist is shown to be thinking about his ways, and as he thinks of his ways, he lets the scriptures evaluate them. (Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.) speaks of testing and examining our ways, (2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?) tells us about examining ourselves, and Psalm 139:23-24 shows David asking God for help in examining his heart, along with many other scriptural examples in the Bible.
How To Do A Contemplative Prayer
How To Do A Contemplative Prayer
It is important to note that the very foundation for why we contemplate our ways, thoughts, actions, the state of our hearts, and everything else about us is because we desire to live in holiness and glorify God with our lives. This comes from our awe and reverence towards God and our relationship with Him, in line with what Jesus has already done for us. We contemplate not because we are trying to earn our way to salvation but because we are saved by grace, and it is the same thing at work in us that allows us to grow and live in godliness (Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;).
How To Do A Contemplative Prayer
We don’t just consider our thoughts, actions, emotions, and plans whenever we contemplate. Mostly, what we contemplate is the state of our hearts. That is why David asked God in Psalm 139:23-24 to search his heart for any grievous element within him. We contemplate our hearts and ask for the Holy Spirit to help us and empower us to have the right heart because, similar to what was written in (Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.), we desire that the meditation of our hearts will be acceptable in the sight of God because we love Him.
How To Do A Contemplative Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You because whenever I contemplate certain matters in my life, I can do it with You through prayer, for I have been reconciled with You through the blood of Jesus. In Christ, I can always come humbly before Your throne of grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How Do We Contemplate in Prayer?
Just as we contemplate on our own time, evaluating our thoughts, motives, and actions, we can do the same in the context of prayer. The difference during prayer is that you are contemplating with God. In other words, just as you converse with yourself during your personal contemplation, contemplating in prayer means conversing with God concerning the matters you are reflecting on. Good examples of this come from Psalm 139:23-24 and Psalm 19:14. David was contemplating over his heart, asking God to search it, as he did not want anything grievous towards God to be in it.
A key principle to remember as you pray a contemplative prayer is that you are having a conversation with God. Remember that prayer is not just something we do to ask God for something. It is our way of communicating with Him. God communicates to us through His revealed will—His Word. We communicate with God through prayer. It is through prayer that we talk about the matters upon which we are reflecting. What are those matters that you are contemplating about? Are you considering going into full-time ministry and wondering if you have been called? Perhaps you are considering getting into a relationship with someone, or is it about a major family decision that you can’t make on the spot? Are you about to perform a ministry and are thinking about the motives of your heart? Come to God and contemplate it with Him. Not only can you converse with Him about it honestly, but you can also ask Him for help to give you the wisdom you need and the grace to do that which is most glorifying to Him.
Father in heaven, there are certain matters that I have been contemplating. I pray that You will give me insight and illuminate me with what I need to know. Give me the wisdom to apply those insights and discern what is good. Give me the resolution, Holy Spirit, to have clarity on the matters I am reflecting upon. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Remember that contemplation does not end there. Whatever insight we get from God as we contemplate certain matters must be applied. Being wise does not mean having insight but being practical enough to use it. In the end, remember that we are being deliberate not because we are trying to earn God’s approval but because God approves us in Christ. We move in grace, which we receive generously in Christ.