The Psalms are a favorite book for many people of faith, and retirement can be a great time to slow down and puzzle out the meaning of some of these passages. Because many verses from the book are familiar to people of faith, they can also be a friendly companion as you're seeking quiet time in a garden home or assisted living apartment, such as those at The Gardens in Springfield.

The Benefits of Meditating on Scripture

Meditating on Scripture is more than reading it. It's the act of clearing your mind of all else and focusing on some element of God's word. Benefits people report after meditating on Scripture include:

• Feeling more connected to God and the story he weaves throughout the Bible
• Renewed peace in the care, love and power of God
• Stronger faith in God's provision
• Reduced anxiety and fear about earthly things

Taking time to focus on a specific verse or passage in Psalms can also have some cognitive benefits for older adults. Slowing down, reading in a more mindful and connected way and memorizing Scripture passages can help strengthen concentration and memory skills.

Depending on your preferences and how you best engage with Scripture, you can add other elements to your time with Psalms. Consider copy work — writing the verses can help you ponder and remember them, and crafty older adults might enjoy practicing lettering techniques with verses. You might also journal about the meaning of the verses and your response to them or use the verses as a way to jump-start some prayer time.

Why the Psalms Are So Powerful in Speaking to Our Hearts

If you want to build a habit of meditating on Scripture, the Psalms are a great place to start because they speak so deeply. So many of the Psalms were written as an expression of honest human emotion — frustration, fear, sorrow, joy, happiness, wonder — and it's easy to recognize your own emotions and experiences in these timeless themes. That connection can also help you see how you might fit into this huge story God is telling.

The Psalms remind the reader of God's presence in everyday things as well as suffering and celebration. They're also written as poetry, which brings a rhythm to the reading that makes it especially helpful for meditation.

Tips for Meditating on the Psalms

You don't need experience meditating to practice mindfulness with the Psalms. Follow these steps to get started:

• Choose a selection. You might reflect on an entire Psalm, like Psalm 23, or a single line. You can search online for Psalms that discuss the challenge you're currently facing or work your way through the book from start to finish over time.
• Read slowly. Read the passage you select slowly, paying attention to the words and what stands out to you. It may be helpful to read familiar passages out loud or listen to them via an audio Bible app.
• Reflect on what you read. Think about what you read. Ask yourself what God might be trying to convey in each sentence or verse.
• Paraphrase the big ideas to yourself. Restate your takeaways to better remember them. You could speak them out loud to yourself or write them down in a journal.

Repeat the process with the same passage. Meditate on the same passage for a while, returning to it often, to enhance your understanding and focus on it.