daily hope
Honest Prayer
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 120:1 (recording quotes ESV). The linked Bible reader uses the World English Bible.
Meditation transcript
Transcript of the recording. Scripture translation labels describe the translation quoted in the audio.
0:01If you have something on your heart, God wants to hear it.
0:07Whether it's gratitude or a complaint, God wants to hear it.
0:13If a dream is burning in your heart, or if a problem is wrecking your world, God wants to hear about it.
0:24God's not looking for polite prayer.
0:27He's looking for real.
0:30Let Him know what's happening in your world.
0:35Let's go ahead and get started by gently bringing your attention to the breath.
0:44Notice the rise and the fall of the chest.
0:52And when you're ready, let your eyes close, like the sun sets.
1:04Take a moment to consider this verse: In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me.
1:22And again: In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me.
1:45Gradually, and with ease, bring your awareness to rest on your breath.
1:59Feel the body rise with each inhale, and then allow your awareness to rest in a little more with each exhale.
2:23Notice how with each breath, the body feels a little calmer.
2:40Begin to notice the space around the body.
2:51Feel the contact of the body on the chair, and your feet on the floor.
3:05When you feel comfortable, begin to scan the entire body to build up a picture of what the body feels like.
3:19Piece by piece, release any areas of tension.
3:29Let go of your stress.
3:32Let go of your anxiety.
3:38You are exactly where you're meant to be.
3:51Allow that natural rhythm of the breath to relax you.
4:08Let your breath guide you to a place of safety in the presence of God.
4:27You are accepted here.
4:30You are loved.
4:51Now, bring your attention to any emotions you're carrying with you.
5:05Not engaging with the emotions, just noticing them with an easy curiosity.
5:33Now take a few deep breaths and allow the body to relax a little more with each exhale.
5:58With each passing thought, allow your awareness to rest deeper into God's love.
6:22Now, begin to deepen the breath.
6:33Inhale slowly and lengthen the breath, and then exhale, letting go of the breath.
6:51And then right back into the next inhale.
6:59Slow it down and make it deep.
7:07And then exhale.
7:11Let the body relax.
7:29Now, allow your breath to settle and let your mind settle with it.
7:53Give yourself space just to be who you are, a child of God.
8:15Take this verse with you, "In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me." Gently bring your awareness back to the feeling of the body.
8:43Notice the weight of the body on the chair.
8:47And when you feel ready, allow your eyes to open and take a nice deep breath.
8:57Notice how your breath changes the way you feel.
9:02I hope you feel a little more in touch with God.
9:08We'll see you again next time, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.