nightly wind down
Mourning Into Joy
11 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Jeremiah 31:13b (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.
0:02Begin by getting comfortable and allowing your body to relax.
0:14As you begin to feel your body releasing, allow your eyes to slowly close.
0:28Let your awareness rest with this verse and prayer, "I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing." And again, "I will
0:57turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing." Gently bring your awareness to the feeling of the body.
1:32Just noticing any sensations in the body.
1:47Maybe it's the air on the skin or the weight of the body in the bed.
2:09Follow your breath and notice how it changes the body.
2:19The inhales expanding the body, and the exhales relaxing the body.
2:42Follow it as it comes in through the nose and goes back out through the mouth.
3:04It's natural and effortless.
3:08Your body knows how to relax.
3:31You're simply unearthing the calm that was already there.
3:53Begin to feel the space around the body.
4:03Notice it with a subtle sense of gratitude and acceptance.
4:19Try not to resist anything.
4:24You're just revealing the peace that's already present in your heart.
4:55Let go of your worries.
4:59This is a safe place of love and deep rest.
5:08Allow your mind to find refuge in God.
5:46Now, let's relax the muscles.
5:52Start with the hands, letting go of the tension in the hands.
6:03Let the palms open, and relax each finger.
6:11Let your grip relax.
6:20Let the arms relax and the joints release.
6:32The shoulders falling away from the ears.
6:44Feel the weight of the body.
6:52And now to the legs.
6:58Relaxing and letting go.
7:06Allow the legs to be heavy.
7:17Allow the muscles to completely relax, almost like they're melting.
7:40If you need a deep breath, take it.
7:47Keep it easy and natural.
7:56Notice how the breath changes the way you feel.
8:07There is nowhere to go, nowhere to be.
8:13You are here.
8:19Everything is perfectly how it should be.
8:29Let your mind relax.
8:37You are safe.
8:47Notice any feelings that you're having in the body.
8:55Not judging, just noticing.
9:14Allow yourself to release those feelings of tightness and tension.
9:48And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus.
9:58Just allow yourself to be.
10:15Take this verse with you, "I will turn their mourning into joy.
10:23I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing." God, I know you're always with me.
10:45Thank you for all of your blessings.
10:50Help me to relax and let go in your presence.
10:57I trust your plan for my life.