daily hope
A Friend Who Understands
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: James 4:8a (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.
0:00"It always helps to have a friend that knows what you're going through.
0:06Jesus is that friend.
0:09He loves it when you talk to Him, because He wants to be close to you." Let that sit with you today as you work your way through this meditation.
0:23Let's start by taking a few nice deep breaths.
0:33As your breath begins to relax your body, allow your eyes to close, like the sun sets.
0:46Now take a moment to consider this verse: Come near to God, and He will come near to you.
1:05And again.
1:07Come near to God, and He will come near to you.
1:30Now, bring your awareness to the space around the body.
1:41Not really examining it, just noticing the space with an easy curiosity.
2:01Notice any sensations on the skin.
2:09Feel the clothes on the skin.
2:19Feel the temperature of the room.
2:27Listen to the sounds in the room.
2:36Just a nice easy focus on the sounds in the room.
2:57Listen to the gentle sound of your breathing.
3:05Notice the rise and the fall of the chest.
3:22Maybe the breath is shallow, or maybe it's deep.
3:29Both are okay.
3:33Just follow the breath as it moves through your body.
3:49Let the rhythm of your breath relax your mind.
4:07This is a safe place.
4:12God is watching over you.
4:29Now, bring your attention to any emotions you're carrying with you.
4:45Not engaging with the emotions, just noticing them with an easy curiosity.
5:15Now take a few deep breaths and allow the body to relax a little more with each exhale.
5:42With each passing thought, allow your awareness to rest deeper into God's love.
6:02Now, begin to deepen the breath.
6:20Inhale slowly, and lengthen the breath.
6:28And then exhale, letting go of the breath.
6:40And then right back into the next inhale.
6:48Slow it down, and make it deep.
7:01And then exhale.
7:04Let the body relax.
7:19Now, allow your breath to settle, and let your mind settle with it.
7:37Give yourself space just to be who you are, a child of God.
7:59Take this verse with you.
8:03Come near to God, and He will come near to you.
8:20When it feels easy, bring your attention back to the feeling of the breath.
8:29Take a few more deep breaths, and slowly allow your eyes to open.
8:38Notice how the breath changes the way you feel.
8:42I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
8:46We'll see you again tomorrow.
8:49Take care of yourself.