That abbot may have been a cynic, but Christopher Robin saying his prayers is only a twentieth century version of the same experience, and many an honest Christian must confess a similar unprofitable use of his meditation time. Hence, it happens that although nothing new can be written upon this subject, it is none the less one that must be brought constantly to the attention of Christians. It is utterly impossible to make any decided advance in the spiritual life without the practice of meditation. The truth of this becomes obvious when we discover what is meant by the terms. Spiritual growth is an ever-deepening friendship with God.
Friendship is impossible without intelligent intercourse.
All this is good and proper in its place, but even human friendship involves something more than to ask favors or to express either gratitude or apology. There must be a communication of thoughts and interests. Human conversation is the medium of earthly friendship. There has never been a time when meditation was more needed and perhaps less practiced by Christian people. The reason for this is easily discovered.