daily hope
Everyone Has a Story
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 9:9 (recording quotes ERV). 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.
0:00So much of our time we spend living in our head.
0:05It's so easy to forget that other people have lives just as rich and complex and difficult as our own.
0:16As you go about your day, remind yourself that these are people with lives and feelings and doubts just like your own.
0:28Remind yourself how much God loves these people.
0:33The more you understand people and their lives, the easier it is to see them in love and acceptance.
0:44Okay, let's begin by getting comfortable and taking a few deep breaths.
0:56As you begin to feel your body releasing, allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:09Now, take a moment to consider this verse: Many people are suffering, crushed by the weight of their troubles, but the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place
1:26they can run to.
1:34And again, many people are suffering, crushed by the weight of their troubles, but the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to.
2:03Keeping your eyes closed, bring your awareness to the space around the room.
2:20Just noticing the sounds in the room and the sensations on the body.
2:32Welcome these sensations as part of the practice.
2:48When it feels comfortable, take some nice deep breaths.
3:04Real easy, deep breaths.
3:20Now begin to slow down the inhale.
3:27Long, slow, deep inhalation, and then let the breath out and relax.
3:40Again, take another long, slow, deep breath in, filling up the body, and then let the exhale come naturally.
4:00With each breath, let your mind relax.
4:14Allow your feelings to release and become a prayer to God.
4:34Now, for a few moments, let go of the focused attention and let your awareness rest.
4:47You are loved.
5:07And now, bring your attention to the heartbeat.
5:19Allow its rhythm to relax the body.
5:32As you begin to relax, bring your attention to the weight of the body.
5:55Allow the arms and the legs to become heavy.
6:08Allow the face to soften, all the way down through the neck.
6:21Soften the skin.
6:28Allow the corners of the eyes to relax.
6:38Let the shoulders fall away from the ears.
6:48Release the elbows.
6:57Let the wrists and the hands relax.
7:08Soften the chest and the stomach.
7:19Release the hips and the thighs.
7:32Relax the calves, all the way down to the ankles.
7:47Allow the entire body to let go, and totally relax.
8:11There's nowhere to go.
8:14You are exactly where you're supposed to be.
8:32Take this verse with you.
8:37"Many people are suffering, crushed by the weight of their troubles.
8:43But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to." Gently bring your awareness back to the feeling of your breath.
9:12Listen to the sound of your breathing.
9:16And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes and take another deep breath in.
9:26Give yourself a stretch and sit back and relax.
9:31Remember to take a moment to check in and notice how you feel.
9:38I hope you feel better.
9:41Take care, and we'll see you again tomorrow, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.