In the Christian Bible, "contemplation" refers to a deep, reflective form of prayer or meditation focused on God, His Word, and His presence. It involves quieting the mind, seeking spiritual insight, and growing in intimacy with God. While the exact term "contemplation" may not appear in most Bible translations, the concept is deeply rooted in Scripture.
Biblical Basis for Contemplation
Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:8 – "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."
Psalm 1:2 – "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night."
Beholding God’s Glory
2 Corinthians 3:18 – "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory."
Psalm 27:4 – "One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
Silent Waiting Before God
Psalm 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God."
Lamentations 3:25-26 – "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Jesus’ Example of Solitude & Prayer
Luke 5:16 – "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
Mark 1:35 – "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Christian Contemplation vs. Eastern Meditation
Unlike some Eastern meditation practices that seek emptiness, Christian contemplation focuses on filling the mind with God’s truth and experiencing His presence. It is relational, worshipful, and grounded in Scripture.
Key Aspects of Christian Contemplation
Focus on God’s Presence (Exodus 33:11, Psalm 105:4)
Reflection on Scripture (Psalm 119:15)
Listening in Prayer (1 Kings 19:12 – God’s "still small voice")
Transformation into Christ’s Image (Romans 12:2)
Biblical contemplation is a spiritual discipline that fosters deeper communion with God, leading to wisdom, peace, and transformation. It aligns with Jesus’ teaching on abiding in Him (John 15:4) and Paul’s exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Let’s explore Christian contemplation in greater depth, examining its biblical foundations, theological significance, historical development, and practical applications in the life of a believer.
1. Definition & Core Principles
Christian contemplation is a form of prayerful meditation that seeks a deeper, wordless communion with God. Unlike vocal or intercessory prayer (where we speak to God), contemplation emphasizes silent receptivity, allowing the Holy Spirit to draw us into God’s presence. Key aspects include:
Stillness: Letting go of distractions to focus on God (Psalm 46:10).
Gazing: Fixing the heart on God’s nature, as in "beholding His glory" (2 Cor. 3:18).
Love-driven desire: A longing to know God intimately (Phil. 3:10).
Unlike Eastern meditation (which often seeks detachment or mental emptiness), Christian contemplation is relational—centered on love for God and transformation into Christ’s image.
2. Biblical Foundations
Old Testament Roots
Abraham (Gen. 15:5): God called him to "look at the stars" in a moment of divine promise—a form of sacred gazing.
Moses (Ex. 33:11): "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
Psalms: The call to "meditate" (Hebrew hagah, meaning to murmur, ponder) on God’s Word (Ps. 1:2, 63:6, 119:15).
New Testament Fulfillment
Jesus’ Prayer Life: He frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), modeling contemplative solitude.
Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:39): She "sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His Word," exemplifying contemplative devotion.
Paul’s Mystical Encounter (2 Cor. 12:2-4): His reference to being "caught up to the third heaven" hints at transcendent communion with God.
3. Theological Framework
Christian contemplation is grounded in:
The Trinity: We commune with the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18).
Incarnation: Because God took on flesh (John 1:14), we can encounter Him personally.
Sanctification: Contemplation purifies the soul, aligning our desires with God’s (Rom. 12:2).
Key Verses:
"We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image." (2 Cor. 3:18)
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10)
4. Historical Development
Christian contemplation has been practiced since the early Church, with key figures shaping its tradition:
Desert Fathers/Mothers (3rd–5th c.): Monks like Anthony the Great emphasized hesychasm (inner stillness).
Augustine (4th c.): Wrote of "resting in God" (Confessions).
Gregory the Great (6th c.): Taught that contemplation follows a life of virtue.
Medieval Mystics:
Bernard of Clairvaux (12th c.) – Wrote on "loving gaze" in On Loving God.
Teresa of Ávila & John of the Cross (16th c.) – Explored "prayer of quiet" and "dark night of the soul."
Reformation: Luther and Calvin valued meditation on Scripture, though they distrusted excessive mysticism.
5. Contemplative Practices in Christianity
A. Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
A 4-step method from monastic tradition:
Lectio (Reading): Slowly read Scripture.
Meditatio (Meditation): Reflect on its meaning.
Oratio (Prayer): Respond to God.
Contemplatio (Contemplation): Rest silently in God’s presence.
B. The Jesus Prayer
A short, repetitive prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me") to focus the heart (inspired by Luke 18:13).
C. Ignatian Meditation
Using imagination to enter biblical scenes (e.g., picturing oneself in Gospel stories).
D. Centering Prayer
A modern practice of silently resting in God, releasing thoughts as they arise.
6. Challenges & Misunderstandings
Not "Emptying the Mind": Unlike Eastern meditation, Christian contemplation fills the mind with Christ (Col. 3:16).
Not Ecstatic Experience: It’s about faithfulness, not mystical highs (1 Kings 19:11-13 – God’s whisper).
Requires Discipline: Distractions are normal; perseverance is key (James 4:8).
7. The Fruit of Contemplation
Deeper intimacy with God (John 15:4).
Spiritual discernment (Rom. 12:2).
Inner peace (Phil. 4:7).
Greater love for others (1 John 4:20).
Conclusion
Christian contemplation is a sacred invitation to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8). It’s not reserved for monks but is for every believer seeking to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). By slowing down, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2), and surrendering to the Spirit, we are gradually transformed into His likeness.
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