How do you distinguish between meditation and prayer? Psalm 1 says ‘on the law meditate day and night’, while 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 says pray continually or pray without ceasing. Is meditation a reflection on the scriptures while prayer is a conversation with Christ where we praise and thank him and petition for our needs and others? I’ve always thought of meditation as a prayer, but this Psalm makes me think meditation should be more focused on scripture — that we chew over and over. Thoughts?
Thank you for your words. I would also like to know your thoughts on Mary Ann DeSantis’s question on meditation and prayer.
Linda Czumak
on June 15, 2020 at 3:45 pm
I absolutely loved this teaching! I only thought of happiness as something that came from within, not based on a person or feeling, but it lacked dimension. This teaching opened the Psalm up and I see happiness from a totally different perspective—so many more layers and all tied to our relationship with God. How affirming is it to be able to say “I want to be a person who is planted in God’s Presence and to be a tree dependent on God and planted in the Holy Spirit. My happiness depends on You. If I depend on You I will survive difficult circumstances and produce fruit in due season”. WHOEEE!! My prayer is to be able to grasp these deeper meanings when I read. This was great, Fr J!
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:18 pm
Linda,
It is all a process. I think it is something learned over time. I love this Psalm. I find it very freeing. It reminds us that it is all about grace. There is nothing we can really do, but be the tree that soaks up the water by the stream. If I relax and allow myself to let God to have His way in me, GOOD!
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Mary Ann, I think you can define meditation in two different ways. It simply is a matter of how writers define the terms. Some writers would define meditation as “contemplation.” Such writers would say that contemplation is the highest form of prayer. When we contemplate, we are entering the presence of God, simply basking is His presence. This is what Jesus is getting at when He talks about “Hallowing the Father’s name.” Also, this is how I understand the Psalmist’s words when he talks about the “temple” or “Zion.” When we contemplate the word or “chewing on it,” as I said, we are meditating. That is what “lectio divina” is all about. “Prayer” is exactly what you describe- talking to Jesus, bringing your requests to the Lord. We thank Him for all the gifts of life, we confess our sins. I hope that helps!
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Hi Lynda,
I read your note first… then went to answer Mary Ann before I replied to you. So, see below.
I hope it is clear,
Fr. John
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Thank you Dolly,
And thank you for your notes,
Fr. John
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:29 pm
Thank you, Darryl. It is good for my soul, too, to do.
Fr. John
Father John Kelly
on June 15, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Judy,
Blessings to you and best to Ray,
Fr. John+
Mary Ann DeSantis
on June 15, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Thank you! Love this opportunity to study the Psalms.
Great! Loved it………….thank you!!
thank you
Thank you again. Food for thought.
How do you distinguish between meditation and prayer? Psalm 1 says ‘on the law meditate day and night’, while 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 says pray continually or pray without ceasing. Is meditation a reflection on the scriptures while prayer is a conversation with Christ where we praise and thank him and petition for our needs and others? I’ve always thought of meditation as a prayer, but this Psalm makes me think meditation should be more focused on scripture — that we chew over and over. Thoughts?
Thanks for staying so connected 🙏
Thank you for your words. I would also like to know your thoughts on Mary Ann DeSantis’s question on meditation and prayer.
I absolutely loved this teaching! I only thought of happiness as something that came from within, not based on a person or feeling, but it lacked dimension. This teaching opened the Psalm up and I see happiness from a totally different perspective—so many more layers and all tied to our relationship with God. How affirming is it to be able to say “I want to be a person who is planted in God’s Presence and to be a tree dependent on God and planted in the Holy Spirit. My happiness depends on You. If I depend on You I will survive difficult circumstances and produce fruit in due season”. WHOEEE!! My prayer is to be able to grasp these deeper meanings when I read. This was great, Fr J!
Linda,
It is all a process. I think it is something learned over time. I love this Psalm. I find it very freeing. It reminds us that it is all about grace. There is nothing we can really do, but be the tree that soaks up the water by the stream. If I relax and allow myself to let God to have His way in me, GOOD!
Mary Ann, I think you can define meditation in two different ways. It simply is a matter of how writers define the terms. Some writers would define meditation as “contemplation.” Such writers would say that contemplation is the highest form of prayer. When we contemplate, we are entering the presence of God, simply basking is His presence. This is what Jesus is getting at when He talks about “Hallowing the Father’s name.” Also, this is how I understand the Psalmist’s words when he talks about the “temple” or “Zion.” When we contemplate the word or “chewing on it,” as I said, we are meditating. That is what “lectio divina” is all about. “Prayer” is exactly what you describe- talking to Jesus, bringing your requests to the Lord. We thank Him for all the gifts of life, we confess our sins. I hope that helps!
Hi Lynda,
I read your note first… then went to answer Mary Ann before I replied to you. So, see below.
I hope it is clear,
Fr. John
Thank you Dolly,
And thank you for your notes,
Fr. John
Thank you, Darryl. It is good for my soul, too, to do.
Fr. John
Judy,
Blessings to you and best to Ray,
Fr. John+
Thank you! Love this opportunity to study the Psalms.