Books in the new testament that tought on meditation
While the term "meditation" is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, several books and passages contain teachings and practices that can be related to meditation. Here are some examples:
- Matthew 6:6-8: Jesus teaches his disciples to pray in secret, using the phrase "when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This passage encourages quiet contemplation and inner reflection.
- Mark 1:35: Jesus rises early in the morning to pray, seeking solitude and communion with God. This passage highlights the importance of setting aside time for prayer and meditation.
- Luke 5:16: Jesus withdraws to a solitary place to pray, demonstrating the value of seeking God in quiet and solitude.
- Philippians 4:4-7: Paul writes about the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, thinking on good things, and praying with thanksgiving. This passage encourages a mindset of gratitude and contemplation.
- Colossians 3:1-4: Paul exhorts believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. This passage encourages believers to focus on spiritual realities and to cultivate a mindset of contemplation.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-12: Paul writes about the Spirit's role in revealing spiritual truths to believers, and how this understanding comes through contemplation and meditation on God's Word.
- Hebrews 4:12: The writer of Hebrews describes God's Word as a "discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart," implying that meditation on Scripture can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's relationship with God.
While these passages don't explicitly use the term "meditation," they contain teachings and practices that can be related to meditation, such as:
- Seeking solitude and quiet contemplation
- Focusing on spiritual realities
- Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and thanksgiving
- Meditating on God's Word
- Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit
In summary, while the New Testament doesn't contain a specific book on meditation, these passages and teachings encourage believers to cultivate a contemplative and reflective lifestyle, which can be seen as a form of meditation.