daily hope
Praising Through Gratitude
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 42:5 (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.
0:00Praising God is basically giving thanks.
0:05It's recognizing the blessings that are in your life right now.
0:12The good news is that this can be done all the time.
0:17You can praise God while washing dishes or driving to work.
0:24When you look at your life through a lens of gratitude, you'll begin to see God in everything.
0:36Let's begin by loosening the shoulders and the chest.
0:44And when you feel ready, just allow the eyes to slowly close.
0:55Take a moment to consider this verse: "Why am I discouraged?
1:04Why is my heart so sad?
1:08I will put my hope in God.
1:11I will praise Him again, my Savior and my God." And again, "Why am I discouraged?
1:29Why is my heart so sad?
1:32I will put my hope in God.
1:35I will praise him again, my savior and my God." Let's begin to take note of how the body is feeling.
2:03Not really thinking too much about it, just letting go of those feelings of tightness and tension.
2:21When it feels comfortable, take a few deep breaths.
2:38In through the nose and out through the mouth.
2:52Deep breath in, expanding the body and filling the chest up.
3:01And exhale, feeling the chest fall and let go.
3:16Take another big, deep breath in.
3:23And control the exhale, letting it take twice as long as the inhale.
3:33With each breath, allow the tension to melt away from the body.
3:53Now, allow your breath to take up a natural rhythm.
4:02Let the gentle sound of your breathing relax your mind.
4:20There is no way to do this wrong, just an easy, effortless awareness.
4:36Letting go.
4:55When it feels comfortable, take a few nice, deep breaths in.
5:12Really making a point to expand the body and expand the chest.
5:31Notice how the breath makes you feel.
5:49Now let the breath begin to settle.
5:58As your breath begins to settle, allow the body to become heavy.
6:14Notice any sensations in the body.
6:20See if you're holding onto any tension.
6:28Maybe the body is tight or maybe it's not.
6:34Either is okay.
6:45You're just scanning the body, looking for any areas of tightness, and letting them release.
7:08And if the mind drifts away in thought, slowly bring it back to the feelings in the body and the breath.
7:26Your body knows how to relax.
7:42You don't have to think about it for it to happen.
7:47You are simply uncovering the calm that was always present.
8:04Let your awareness rest in the arms of God.
8:22Take this verse with you: Why am I discouraged?
8:30Why is my heart so sad?
8:34I will put my hope in God.
8:37I will praise him again, my savior and my God.
8:53Slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the body, maybe even move your fingers and toes a little bit.
9:05When it feels natural, allow your eyes to slowly open.
9:13Take another big, deep breath in and let it out with a sigh.
9:19Notice how you feel.
9:22I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:25We'll see you again tomorrow with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.