What are some tips to help me meditate on God’s Word?

from the old testament

• In Deuteronomy 6:6, God tells all the Israelites, "These words that I command you today shall be on your heart." He then details ways to do this. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 is a good template to follow when looking for ways to meditate on God's Word. We can teach it to others (in this case, children) and discuss it with people our age both within and outside of our home, while also making the time to study it day and night (Deuteronomy 6:7). We can also take after the Israelites’ example in verse 8 by putting God’s Scripture on our person, perhaps by different means such as wearing a piece of clothing, jewelry, etc. God's command to the Israelites in verse 9: “...write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:9) is something we can also practice in small ways.
• Later in Deuteronomy, God gives instructions for the men who would rule over Israel. He said, "[The king] shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law . . . And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them" (Deuteronomy 17:18–19). Similarly, we can meditate on God's Word by means of handwriting passages of Scripture directly from the Bible.
• After Moses died, Joshua was to become the new leader for the Israelites, so God instructed him on his new responsibilities. He said, in part, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).
• Ezra read the Law to the people "from early morning until midday" (Nehemiah 8:3). We can strive to continually listen to God’s Word throughout our day, too.
• Meditating on God's Word (the Book of the Law) is certainly a biblical concept, and even a command from God (Psalm 1:1–6).
• The psalmist in Psalm 119:147–148 communicates the importance of meditating on Scripture (even if it comes at the cost of missing some physical rest): "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise."

from the new testament

• Jesus Himself rose "very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (Mark 1:35). We can take after Jesus’ example and prioritize one-on-one time with our Heavenly Father. During this holy time with God, we may find it helpful to prayerfully meditate on His word, too.
• The apostle Paul, when teaching the gospel in Troas, "prolonged his speech until midnight" (Acts 20:7). Setting aside time at the beginning and end of each day to read, think about, discuss, or meditate on God's Word is an important practice.

implications for today

We can follow God's instructions for ways to keep His words in our hearts and come to truly know His Word (Deuteronomy 6; Deuteronomy 17). Any practice that slows our reading of Scripture, asks questions of the text, and engages our minds with the Word of God is a practice that can potentially help us meditate on God's Word. Reading and meditating on God’s Word is not necessarily a formulaic thing to do. However, it does begin with intentionality and grows with consistency!

Some tips to help you meditate on God’s Word include setting aside ten minutes each morning for focused Scripture reading. Choose a short passage and ask His Holy Spirit to illuminate truth to you. What does this passage say about God? About humanity? What does it mean? What does it expose in you? What is it calling you to take to heart? As you read, highlight or write down the verses that stand out to you. This simple practice of slowing down and engaging with a single verse or passage helps move it from your eyes to your heart. Writing it in a journal reinforces your memory and gives you something to return to throughout the day.

Try reciting that verse aloud during your commute or while doing routine tasks like dishes or walking. Speaking Scripture out loud helps you reflect on its meaning and opens your heart to hear how God might want to apply it in your life. You can also discuss the verse with a friend, spouse, or coworker to gain new insights and keep God’s Word on your lips. Talking about Scripture strengthens your understanding and helps others grow, too.

To stay mindful of God’s Word throughout the day, place the verse somewhere you’ll see it often—a sticky note on your mirror, a background on your phone, or a card in your wallet. Before bed, return to that same verse and ask how you’ve seen it at work in your day. This full-circle approach—beginning, speaking, sharing, and ending the day with Scripture—invites God to shape your thoughts and actions as His Word takes root in your life. By such practices, we can say with the psalmist, "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word" (Psalm 119:15–16).