daily hope
Thoughts Are Not Reality
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 46:10a (recording quotes NIV). 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.
0:00It's a common misconception to think that prayer and meditation are about forgetting your problems.
0:09This couldn't be further from the truth.
0:13Prayer and meditation teach you to recognize thoughts and emotions for what they are, they're just thoughts and emotions.
0:24They aren't your reality.
0:27They're your interpretation of reality, and that can always change.
0:34It's slowly accepting that there is only so much in your control.
0:41It's making space for Jesus to speak in your life.
0:49Okay.
0:51Let's go ahead and get started by getting comfortable in your chair.
0:59And when you're ready, take a few nice, deep breaths and allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:15As your body begins to settle, take a moment to consider this verse, "Be still and know that I am God." And again, "Be still and know that I am
1:44God." When it feels natural, let's take a nice, big breath.
2:12With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed.
2:24Almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
2:36The breath fills up the body, and then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
2:58Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels.
3:10Just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
3:21Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
3:31Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
3:42Allow your temples and face to relax.
3:52Let the throat and the neck soften.
4:00Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper.
4:10Just relaxing and releasing.
4:21You are here and everything is okay.
4:27God is with you.
4:41And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
5:04Gently bring your awareness to any sensations you're feeling.
5:17Just noticing the sensations on the body.
5:33Maybe it's the air on the skin or the weight of the body in the chair.
5:46Just noticing and welcoming these sensations as part of the meditation.
6:02Notice the rise and the fall of the chest as you breathe.
6:22Follow the breath, and notice how it changes your body, the inhales expanding the body and filling it up with life, and the exhales relaxing the body, letting go.
6:58Follow the breath as it comes in through the nose and then goes back out through the mouth.
7:20You don't have to do anything.
7:24It's natural and effortless.
7:28Your body knows how to relax.
7:35You are simply unearthing the calm that was already there.
7:47This is a safe place of love and deep rest.
8:11Allow your mind to take refuge in God.
8:30Take this verse with you, "Be still and know that I am God." Gently bring your awareness back to the body, and when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes
9:06and take a nice deep breath.
9:10Sit back and relax for a moment.
9:14How do you feel?
9:18I hope you feel a little better.
9:21We'll see you next time with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.