daily hope
Releasing Thoughts
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (recording quotes TLB). 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.
0:00Meditation isn't so much about controlling your thoughts.
0:05That would be impossible.
0:07Rather, you can begin to recognize the thoughts as a natural part of meditation.
0:15You're choosing to recognize them for what they are, just thoughts and feelings.
0:22And thoughts and feelings are always changing.
0:27You can let go and release them to God.
0:34Okay.
0:36Let's begin by taking a few seconds to consciously relax the body.
0:47And when you're ready, allow your eyes to slowly close.
0:57Now take a moment to consider this verse: "Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." And
1:22again, "Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." Now, take a moment to be grateful for
1:56this opportunity to relax.
2:06Notice how good it feels just to be here in this moment.
2:22When it feels natural, begin to deepen the breath.
2:34Let go of your worries, and focus your attention on the breath.
2:48Nothing else matters right now.
2:54You are here.
2:57There's nothing to do but relax.
3:10Allow your body to honor the natural calm given by God's presence.
3:22Just listening to the breath, noticing the rise and the fall of the chest.
3:35Deep breath in, expanding the body, and then exhale, letting your awareness rest.
3:56Take another deep breath as you feel your lungs expand.
4:05And exhale, following the air back out through the mouth.
4:19The thoughts may take you away, and that's okay.
4:30With each breath, effortlessly rest into the arms of God.
4:54Now, slowly begin to take some deep breaths, allowing the body to open.
5:12Let the breath relax any areas of tightness in the body.
5:30Consciously, start to turn the muscles off.
5:38Start with the muscles in the feet and the legs.
5:46Allow the feet to be heavy on the floor.
5:54Allow the chest and the back to open so the breathing can become deep and natural.
6:14Soften the shoulders.
6:18Allow them to fall away from the ears.
6:28Let the head fall and become heavy at the neck.
6:40Feel the weight of the body and how it pushes you down into the chair.
6:58When it feels comfortable, bring your awareness to the sound of your breath.
7:08Not changing anything about the breath, just noticing it.
7:24Listening to the gentle rhythm of the inhales and exhales.
7:37Filling the body up with fresh air.
7:43And then slowly exhaling and letting go.
8:03Let your mind be still.
8:20Take this verse with you, "Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." Allow your awareness to
8:53slowly come back to your body.
8:57And when it feels natural, begin to open your eyes.
9:04Sit back in your chair.
9:07Maybe you want to stretch a little bit.
9:10Do whatever feels good.
9:13Take a moment to notice how you feel.
9:19I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:22We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.