nightly wind down
Establish the Work of Our Hands
11 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 90:17 (recording quotes ESV). 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 taking a few nice, deep breaths.
0:14And as your body begins to relax, allow your eyes to slowly close.
0:29Bring your awareness to rest with this verse and prayer.
0:37"Let the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon us and establish the work of our hands." And again, "Let the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon
0:59us and establish the work of our hands." Bring your attention to the heartbeat.
1:24Allow its rhythm to relax your body, letting the arms and legs become heavy.
1:52Now bring your awareness to the top of the head.
1:59Allow the head to soften all the way down the face, softening the skin on the face and the eyes.
2:39Soften the throat and the back of the neck.
3:02Soften the collarbone, the shoulders, and the arms.
3:25Releasing the elbows.
3:41Let the wrists and the hands relax.
4:02Softening the chest and the stomach.
4:18Releasing the hips and the thighs.
4:24The knees.
4:35Relax the calves down to the ankles.
4:52Bring your attention back to the breath.
5:16Just noticing the inhale and the exhale.
5:51Release your anxieties and worries to God.
6:01Let go of that stress.
6:10Let go of your grip on control.
6:28Take a big, deep breath in.
6:43Release your stress.
6:49Let go of your frustrations.
7:02Let it all go on the exhale.
7:15We aren't holding onto the thoughts.
7:19We're just letting them release.
7:38Now bring your awareness to the way the body feels.
7:57Allow yourself to sink into your chair or your bed.
8:06Let the body relax and release.
8:24When it feels comfortable, bring your attention to the heart.
8:36Feel the heart beat.
8:44Just noticing it.
8:59Allow that natural rhythm and stillness to relax the body.
9:20Just notice the way that you feel, not trying to change it.
9:30Just accepting it the way that it is.
9:51Allow yourself to relax into the loving presence of God.
10:13Take this verse with you.
10:16"Let the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon us, and establish the work of our hands." God, I know you're always with me.
10:42Thank you for all of your blessings.
10:47Help me to relax and let go in your presence.
10:54I trust your plan for my life.