David W. Saxton’s God’s Battle Plan for the Mind (Reformation Heritage Books, 2015) presents a compelling argument for recovering the lost art of biblical meditation, a discipline once central to Puritan piety and spiritual formation. Saxton argues that the modern church, though rich in theological resources and preaching, suffers from a superficial spirituality precisely because it has neglected meditation—a practice essential for transforming doctrinal knowledge into heartfelt godliness.
Drawing extensively from the Puritans and Scripture, Saxton defines biblical meditation as the intentional, sustained, and spiritual reflection on God’s Word. Unlike Eastern or mystical forms of meditation that promote mental emptying, biblical meditation involves filling the mind with divine truth, leading to spiritual transformation and godly living. The book is structured thematically, beginning with the importance of meditation, contrasting it with unbiblical forms, and moving through practical guidance on how to meditate—whether occasional or deliberate. It outlines occasions for meditation, offers advice on selecting subjects, and highlights both the benefits and the spiritual enemies of the practice. Saxton concludes with pastoral encouragement to begin and persist in this vital spiritual discipline.
Rev. Saxton is pastor of Cambridge Bible Church in Cambridge, Ohio.
Chapters
- 00:00 Mid-America Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference
- 01:41 Introduction
- 06:06 The Background to This Book
- 10:08 Distinguishing Meditation from Prayer
- 14:58 Why the Practice of Meditation Has Been Lost
- 18:12 Retraining Our Minds to Delight in the Right Things
- 21:44 God’s Battle Plan for the Mind
- 25:22 Meditation as Essential to Spiritual Vitality
- 29:08 Practical Expectations
- 33:47 Steps to Beginning Effective Meditation
- 36:52 Occasional and Deliberate Meditation
- 42:37 Satan Especially Opposes Meditation
- 48:44 The Powerful Benefit of Meditation
- 53:15 The Spiritual Benefits of Meditation
- 59:10 Conclusion
Participants: Camden Bucey, David Saxton