“Meditation is the language of the soul. . . . [It] is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.”
— President McKay
Within the church we often refer to meditation as pondering. A definition according to James Allen on meditation is:
“Meditation in the intense dwelling, in thought, upon an idea or them, with object of thoroughly comprehending it, and whatsoever you constantly meditate upon you will not only come to understand, but you will grow more into its likeness, for it will become incorporated into your very being, will become, in fact, your very self.”
— James Allen, As a Man Thinketh, Vol. 2
Meditation is more than sitting still and trying to clear your mind. It also means thinking deeply for a long time upon a specific thing. Many scriptures mention meditating, or pondering.
Here are two examples.
“For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.”
— Nephi 11:1
“On the third of October, in the year nineteen hundred and eighteen, I sat in my room pondering over the scriptures;
As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.”
— D&C 138: 1, 11
I believe meditation to be a valuable key to connecting with God, which many have forgotten. It is a form of prayer which a person is able to better receive revelation and peace. According to President McKay, meditation is “…the language of the soul. It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.”
Meditation helps us do the will of The Lord. We often ask for guidance or answers but sometimes we are not able to accept what The Lord tells us. Meditating can help us reach a state of peace and take a step back, truly becoming connected to Christ and accepting His will. Meditating is a valuable tool to help receive further revelation when we are still not exactly sure what direction of action we should take.
“I get up early in the morning…, five o’clock, when my mind and spirit are clear and rested. Then I meditate. You can come closer to the Lord than you imagine when you learn to meditate. Let your spirits be taught by the Spirit.”
— President Harold B. Lee
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