Since meditation is the key to my spiritual consciousness, I always resort to the Book of Psalms to reflect on God’s Word. Thus, I am well acquainted with various verses in Psalms to read while meditating.
Last week, one member of our online Bible study forum was curious to know the best Psalms to read for meditation, and as an avid Bible reader, I was delighted to divulge my knowledge.
This equally became my inspiration to write this article as an informative guide for others seeking wondering, “what is the best Psalms to read for meditation?”
11 best Psalms to read for meditation.
Psalm 1:2
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he [a]meditates day and night.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that the righteous delight in God’s law and meditate on it day and night. This Psalm encourages virtuous people to meditate on God’s commandments daily.
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [a]strength and my Redeemer.”
In this verse, the Psalmist prays that his words and his heart’s meditation be pleasant to God. He also acknowledges that God is his strength and redeemer.
You can use this Psalm during meditation for consideration to be accepted in God’s sight.
Psalm 49:3
“My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that he will speak wisdom, and his heart’s meditation will provide understanding. This verse is beneficial for meditation especially when providing wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 63:6
“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.”
In this verse, the Psalmist declares that when he remembers God on his bed, he meditates on Him during the night. You can use this Psalm to meditate on God, especially at nightfall.
Psalm 77:12
“I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that he will meditate on God’s work. This Psalm comes in handy when meditating on God’s mighty actions.
Psalm 104:34
“May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.”
In this verse, the Psalmist prays that his meditation is considered sweet to God. This Psalm is useful when meditating to seek joy and gladness in God.
Psalm 119:15
“I will meditate on Your precepts, And [a]contemplate Your ways.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that he will meditate on God’s precepts. You can use this Psalm to contemplate God’s holy ways and instructions.
Psalm 119:78
“Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts.”
In this verse, the Psalmist asks God to shame the proud for wrongfully maligning him with falsehood. Nonetheless, he states that he will still meditate on God’s precepts.
This is a good Psalm to read when meditating about your enemies and acknowledging God’s Holy Word.
Psalm 119:148
“My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that he remains awake all night to meditate on God’s Word. You can use this Psalm to meditate on God’s teachings when you lack sleep.
Psalm 143:5
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.”
In this verse, the Psalmist remembers his former days and meditates on God’s deeds. This Psalm is good for musing on God’s accomplishments in your life.
Psalm 145:5
“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.”
In this verse, the Psalmist meditates on the glorious nature of God’s majesty. You can use this Psalm during meditation and to acknowledge God’s wondrous splendor.
Are Psalms good for meditation?
Yes, Psalms are considered good for meditation. According to Christians, Psalms are a great source for absorbing, internalizing, and pondering God’s Word.
The prayerful nature of the scriptures in Psalms is believed to be soul-rousing for meditation. In addition, the passages in Psalms are poetic and expressive to induce an element of meditation.
They are best for deep contemplation about God, life, humanity, nature, etcetera.
How do you meditate the Psalms?
According to Bible scholars, there are various ways to meditate on the Psalms. They consider it imperative to write a paraphrase of the Psalms. Put the verses in your own words and elaborate on them.
You can also meditate on the Psalms by praying about the scriptures read. Most scholars advocate practicing how to adore, confess, give thanks, offer supplication, and submit to God through prayer.
Additionally, highlight various words or phrases in the Psalms. Emphasize different texts and take time to meditate on them.
To meditate on the Psalms, it is important to do a cross-reference. Reflect on other scriptures with similar themes and meditate on them. Deliberate about the Psalmist.
The author provides the historical context of the Psalm you are meditating on. Perform a role play of a character in the Psalm.
Try to envision being inside the heads and hearts of various individuals alluded to in the Psalm while meditating. Read the Psalm from a different translation.
As poetry can change during translations, different texts may emerge, and it is wise to understand the interpretations during meditation.
Personalize the Psalm. Most Psalms are addressed in the first person to internalize the Psalm during mediation. Memorize the Psalm. Commit the scripture to memory when meditating to recall it daily.
Lastly, allow God’s Word to be the final one in your heart before a new day. Incorporate the Psalms into your prayers before sleep.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.