We have observed, interpreted, felt, and applied. Now, only the final gateway of this long journey of meditation remains. It is ‘Choosing a Title.’
From summarizing the text to finding God, the grace received, and the specific application—this is the task of compressing this entire process into a single line. It is just like ‘Espresso.’
Just as a cup of espresso extracts all the flavor and aroma of coffee under high pressure, the title must be a ‘Holy Essence’ that squeezes the entire content of today’s meditation into one sentence.
Choosing a title is not simply hanging a sign on your writing. It is the crowning moment that threads the beginning and end of your meditation together into one perfection.
1. The Title is the ‘Compass’ of Meditation (Consistency)
By choosing a title, you can check if you have meditated properly today. What you observed, what you felt, and what you intend to apply must all be penetrated by this single title. If the title and your application diverge, it is evidence that the focus of your meditation has blurred.
The title is a compass that gathers scattered thoughts into one. “What is the core message God gave me today?” The answer to this question must become your title. Only when the title is clear does the direction of the Word you hold onto today become clear.
2. The Title is a ‘Storage Device’ for Grace (Memory)
We are forgetful beings. The grace received in the morning fades by evening. We cannot remember every detail of a long meditation note. However, one well-crafted title sticks deep in the brain.
Imagine opening your meditation notebook 1 year or 10 years later. Even without reading the long text, just seeing the title brings the emotion of that day back to life: “Ah, God gave me this heart back then.” The title is the most powerful storage device to preserve grace forever.
3. The Title is My ‘Confession of Faith’ (Proclamation)
Choosing a title is an act of defining today. If the Bible text is the objective Word of God, the title is my subjective ‘Confession of Faith’ reacting to it.
Copying well-known subtitles from the Bible (e.g., The Miracle of the Five Loaves and Two Fish) is not a meditation title. It must contain my language, my situation, and my confession.
- (X) Bad Example: David defeats Goliath. (Listing facts)
- (O) Good Example: God who uses the small stone in my hand. (My confession)
Even with the same text, titles differ for every person and every situation. The moment you write the title, the Word becomes ‘my event,’ not ‘someone else’s story.’ It is like a spiritual declaration you throw to the world today.
4. Practical Tips for Naming Titles
So, how should you decide on a title? Do not try to write a perfect title from the start. Instead, write down 3 to 4 candidates first.
- Keyword Type: Focus on the word from the text that touched you the most. (e.g., Grace, Restoration, Waiting)
- Sentence Type: Turn God’s message to me into a sentence. (e.g., Do not fear, for I am with you)
- Application Type: Make what you will practice today your title. (e.g., A day of choosing gratitude instead of complaining)
After scribbling down these 3 or 4 ideas, choose the ‘single one’ that resonates most in your heart. The more you agonize over and polish the title, the deeper its scent becomes.
[In Conclusion]
We have finished all five steps of meditation. Now, fill in the blank space you left at the top of your meditation note. Extract your own espresso, the thickest and most fragrant. That single line will lead your life today.
Next time, let’s learn about ‘Sharing Meditation’.