daily hope
Sanctuary of the Present
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 27:5 (recording quotes NLT). 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.
0:00When you meditate in prayer with God, you're allowing yourself to rest into this one moment.
0:09Your thoughts and memories will come and go, but if you rest into this moment, you can always find peace.
0:20When you learn to be present, you're creating a sanctuary where soul can be renewed.
0:29Okay, let's get started by allowing the body to relax.
0:40And when you're ready, let your eyes close like the sun sets.
0:50Now take a moment to consider this verse: "For He will conceal me there when troubles come.
1:02He will hide me in His sanctuary.
1:06He will place me out of reach on a high rock." And again, "For He will conceal me there when troubles come.
1:26He will hide me in His sanctuary.
1:30He will place me out of reach on a high rock." When it feels natural, let's take a nice big breath.
2:01With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed, almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
2:25The breath fills up the body, and then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
2:47Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels, just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
3:10Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
3:20Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
3:31Allow your temples and face to relax.
3:41Let the throat and the neck soften.
3:49Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper, just relaxing and releasing.
4:10You are here and everything is okay.
4:16God is with you.
4:30And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
4:52Now, let's take some nice deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
5:15Just noticing and observing the breath, watching the rise and the fall of the chest.
5:41Listen to the gentle sound of your breathing.
5:59Begin to notice any feelings you may have brought with you today.
6:15Thoughts are a natural part of meditation.
6:23Just leave those feelings right where they are, and then gently come back to the feeling of the breath.
6:43Long, deep inhale, then a slow, controlled exhale.
6:59Allow the breath to calm the mind and relax the body.
7:17And now, allow your awareness to fall and move inward, finding that place where you feel loved.
7:41Feel that natural peace in God's presence.
7:58Remember, when you come near to God, He will come near to you.
8:19Take this verse with you.
8:23"For He will conceal me there when troubles come.
8:28He will hide me in His sanctuary.
8:32He will place me out of reach on a high rock." Softly begin to bring your awareness back to the body, back to that feeling of weight in the body.
9:01And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes and take a big, deep breath in.
9:10Take a moment to check in and notice how you feel.
9:16I hope you feel a little more present.
9:20We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.
9:26Take care.