This has been on my mind for several days, and I think it’s an important topic to address. 

It’s this idea of “clearing your mind” during forms of prayer or meditation. Some even claim that there are benefits and insights gained in doing so. 

Is it actually beneficial to “clear your mind” during prayer or meditation?

May I be blunt? (Obviously, that is more of a rhetorical question.)

My opinion of this is based on what the Bible says, and I’ll share my thoughts based on that.

My short answer is, “Goodness gracious, No!”

Now, please allow me to explain my longer answer.

“…[God’s] peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise,” Philippians 4:7-8, (NLT).

Based on the above scripture, our thoughts, our minds should be fixed on the things of God. So whether we are in prayer or simply going about our day, peace comes from living in Christ Jesus and fixating on Him. 

I know that as I go about my day, because I have a relationship with Jesus, I genuinely enjoy keeping Him on my mind with even the simplest things I do, whether it’s folding towels, or making the bed, or whatever!

There’s never a need or desire to clear my mind because I have peace in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 1:2, (NLT) says, “[Blessed is the one] whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

As far as meditation goes, some Christians get uncomfortable with that word. I wonder if it’s because the word “meditation” conjures up images of people chanting with legs folded and eyes closed. That is not what I’m referring to, though.

I’m taking about deeply focusing on the Word of God. Savoring it. Studying it with intensity. All the while, seeking God for meaning and application. 

It’s a desperate desire to know God more.

I think it’s amid this desperate state of desire for knowing God at a deeper level that meditation on Him and His Word takes root. 

Furthermore, there becomes such awareness of His sovereignty that there is no room for a blank state of mind.

Nor should there be…

because doing such a thing leaves room for the enemy of our souls to enter into. I don’t even want to imagine what he might place in my mind.

Let’s always remember that with all the commotion in our lives, we need to stop and make time for prayer and mediation on the Lord God. 

So, within our stillness, whether in prayer or meditation our focus remains on Him, the God over all creation. 

Like Psalm 46:10 tells us: Be still, AND know that I am God…