Topical Encyclopedia
Contemplation, in the Christian tradition, refers to the practice of deep, reflective thought focused on God, His Word, and His works. It is a spiritual discipline that seeks to draw the believer closer to God through meditation and prayerful reflection. The practice of contemplation is rooted in Scripture and has been a significant aspect of Christian spirituality throughout history.
Biblical FoundationsThe Bible encourages believers to meditate on God's Word and His attributes. In
Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse highlights the importance of continuous reflection on God's Word as a source of spiritual nourishment and growth.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (
Philippians 4:8). This instruction aligns with the practice of contemplation, as it involves directing one's mind toward the virtues and truths found in Scripture.
Contemplation in the Life of JesusJesus Himself modeled a life of contemplation and prayer. In the Gospels, we see Jesus withdrawing to solitary places to pray and commune with the Father (
Luke 5:16). These moments of solitude and reflection were integral to His ministry, providing Him with strength and guidance.
Historical ContextThroughout church history, contemplation has been a vital component of Christian spirituality. Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Gregory the Great, emphasized the importance of contemplative prayer and meditation. The monastic tradition, particularly within the Benedictine and Cistercian orders, developed structured practices of contemplation, often referred to as "lectio divina" or divine reading, which involves reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, contemplation can be practiced through various means, including:
1.
Scripture Meditation: Engaging deeply with a passage of Scripture, pondering its meaning, and allowing it to speak to one's heart.
2.
Prayerful Reflection: Spending time in silent prayer, listening for God's voice, and reflecting on His presence and guidance.
3.
Nature and Creation: Observing the beauty of God's creation and contemplating His power and majesty as revealed through nature.
4.
Worship and Music: Using hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs as a means to focus the mind and heart on God.
Contemplation and TransformationThe ultimate goal of contemplation is spiritual transformation. As believers engage in this practice, they are conformed more closely to the image of Christ.
Romans 12:2 encourages believers to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind," a process that is facilitated through contemplative practices.
Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile contemplation is a valuable spiritual discipline, it requires intentionality and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, setting aside time for quiet reflection can be challenging. However, the rewards of drawing closer to God and experiencing His peace and presence make the effort worthwhile.
In summary, contemplation is a biblically grounded practice that invites believers to deepen their relationship with God through focused reflection and prayer. It is a means of aligning one's heart and mind with the truths of Scripture and the character of God, leading to spiritual growth and transformation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of the mind in considering with attention; continued attention of the mind to a particular subject; meditation; musing; study.
2. (n.) Holy meditation.
3. (n.) The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen; expectation; the act of intending or purposing.
Strong's Hebrew
7879. siach -- complaint, musing... From siyach; a
contemplation; by implication, an utterance -- babbling, communication,
complaint, meditation, prayer, talk. see HEBREW siyach. 7878, 7879.
...Library
Contemplation
... DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE V."CONTEMPLATION.... For it underlies a profound
theory of Personality and a rich method ofContemplation....
OfContemplation
... AS TRANSLATED BY RICHARD MISYN IN 1434 FROM DE EMENDATIONE VITAE' BY RICHARD ROLLE
OF HAMPOLE: AND NOW DONE INTO MODERN ENGLISH CHAPTER XII OFCONTEMPLATION....
How Much theContemplation of God is to be Preferred to all Other...
... Chapter 9 How much thecontemplation of God is to be preferred to all other
exercises. Now since all things other than God are the...
OfContemplation in General; what it Is. ...
Holy Wisdom: or, Directions for the Prayer ofContemplation. <.... OFCONTEMPLATION.
CHAPTER I. Ofcontemplation in general; what it is.? Sec. Sec....
Whether There is Delight inContemplation?
... OF THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether there is delight incontemplation?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is no delight incontemplation....
Liii. TheContemplation of Death.
... LIII. THECONTEMPLATION OF DEATH. 16th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke 7:12.
"Behold, there was a dead man carried out.". INTRODUCTION...
WhetherContemplation or Meditation is the Cause of Devotion?
... OF DEVOTION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whethercontemplation or meditation is the cause of
devotion?... Thereforecontemplation or meditation is not the cause of devotion....
The Psychology ofContemplation
... DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE VII."THE PSYCHOLOGY OFCONTEMPLATION. Be this as it
may, Dionysius is unquestionably speaking of a psychological...
Here Beginneth a Book ofContemplation, the which is Called the...
... Here beginneth a book ofcontemplation, the which is called the CLOUD OF UNKNOWING,
in the which a soul is oned with GOD. Here Beginneth...
That the Proper School ofContemplation is Solitude. ...
Holy Wisdom: or, Directions for the Prayer ofContemplation. <.... THE THIRD SECTION
OF THE FIRST TREATISE, TOUCHING THE SCHOOL OFCONTEMPLATION, VIZ....
Thesaurus
Contemplation (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Contemplation (11 Occurrences). Psalms 42:1 For
the Chief Musician. A
contemplation by the sons of Korah.
...Contemplative (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining tocontemplation; addicted to,
or employed in,contemplation; meditative. 2. (a.) Having...
Choirmaster (55 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 42:1 For the Chief Musician. Acontemplation by the sons of Korah....
Set to "The Lilies." Acontemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song....
Tune (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 45:1 For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." Acontemplation
by the sons of Korah.... To the tune of "Mahalath." Acontemplation by David....
Musician (112 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Psalms 42:1 For the Chief Musician. Acontemplation by the sons of Korah....
Set to "The Lilies." Acontemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song....
Reflection (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The reverting of the mind to that which has already occupied it; continued
consideration; meditation;contemplation; hence, also, that operation or...
Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
... To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." Acontemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite....
(ASV). Psalms 89:1 Acontemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite....
Muse (5 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) To be absent in mind; to be so occupied in study orcontemplation as not
to observe passing scenes or things present; to be in a brown study....
Stringed (34 Occurrences)
... Acontemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Isn't David
hiding himself among us?" Save me, God, by your name.... Acontemplation by David....
Adoration
... Adoration is perhaps the highest type of worship, involving the reverent and rapt
contemplation of the Divine perfections and prerogatives, the acknowledgment...
Resources
What is quietism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Hesychasm? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Teresa of Avila? | GotQuestions.orgContemplation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
