daily hope
Prayer for Your Benefit
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 4:8 (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.
0:00The most common misconception around prayer is that it's some sort of request line to God.
0:08And surely, in some cases, it is that.
0:14But we forget that prayer is largely for our benefit.
0:21It's an outlet to express our heart and to let go.
0:28Prayer allows us to lay our concerns at the feet of God and to leave them there.
0:36Prayer releases us from the prison of self-centeredness and the need for control.
0:45Prayer lays the groundwork for a healthy relationship with God.
0:54Let's begin by noticing the weight of the body, allowing the body to relax into the chair.
1:11And as the body begins to relax, allow your eyes to close.
1:21Take a moment to consider this verse, "In peace, I will lie down and sleep.
1:32For you alone, oh Lord, will keep me safe." And again, "In peace, I will lie down and sleep.
1:53For you alone, oh Lord, will keep me safe." Gently bring your awareness to any sensations you're feeling, just noticing the sensations on the body.
2:32Maybe it's the air on the skin or the weight of the body in the chair, just noticing and welcoming these sensations as part of the meditation.
3:01Notice the rise and the fall of the chest as you breathe.
3:17Follow 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.
3:53Follow the breath as it comes in through the nose and then goes back out through the mouth.
4:11You don't have to do anything.
4:15It's natural and effortless.
4:19Your body knows how to relax.
4:26You are simply unearthing the calm that was already there.
4:38This is a safe place of love and deep rest.
4:53Allow your mind to take refuge in God.
5:15When it feels natural, let's take a nice big breath.
5:29With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed, almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
5:59The breath fills up the body.
6:03And then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
6:25Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels.
6:37Just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
6:52Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
7:02Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
7:13Allow your temples and face to relax.
7:22Let the throat and the neck soften.
7:31Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper.
7:41Just relaxing and releasing.
7:54You are here, and everything is okay.
8:00God is with you.
8:17And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
8:41Take this verse with you: In peace, I will lie down and sleep.
8:50For you alone, oh Lord, will keep me safe.
9:08When it feels natural, bring your awareness back to the room.
9:15Just noticing the room with a gentle appreciation.
9:22And when you're ready, allow your eyes to slowly open.
9:28Take a moment to notice how you feel.
9:32I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:35We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.