Jun 20, 2022
Practicing stillness is about learning to hear God
and become in tune with our true selves. It’s a willingness to slow
down and pay attention…to surrender to the mystery of… God’s
transforming Presence.
In this place of loving communion, we let go of our
expectations and rest in the grace of our relationship as dearly
loved children of God.
We find rest and hope in knowing that we do not need
to be successful, perfect, or sinless, to hang out with God. There
is no place for striving. Unconditional love welcomes us as we
are….
As we conclude our Monday Meditation series on
Pondering the Psalms, I’d like to address the question…
How can I hear clearly from the Holy Spirit?
Or how do I know it’s God I’m hearing and not just my
own thoughts.
Silence and stillness are helpful pathways to hearing
God more clearly and recognizing the Voice of Divine guidance. The
more we practice, the better we become at discerning the still
small voice of God. In the
Here are a few helpful tips in practicing listening
prayer:
How to practice listening prayer
- Listening prayer is more than just listening with our
ears… we listen with the eyes of our heart. We engage our body
soul, mind and spirit. That means undistracted attention given to
our times of seeking to hear from God. We lean into God’s embrace
with an openness to receive. We breathe in the Spirit of God.
- As you come to God with your question or request for
guidance…Trust God is with you and always listening with undivided
attention.
- Wait in silence for God to speak. Don’t rush this
process. God’s Word encourages us to wait upon the Lord…We wait for
God to reveal Himself to us. There are unlimited ways God’s Divine
Presence is revealed to us. There is always more to know and
experience about our infinite Creator.
- Pay attention to any Scripture, songs, impressions, or
pictures that come to mind and write them down. Continue to ask God
more questions about what you heard, thought, or any visual
impressions that came to mind.
- Carry God’s word with you. Put into practice the
guidance you received, Keep listening and looking for confirmation
in scripture and from others.
- Turn God’s Word into positive affirmations allowing
God’s Words to continue to speak over your life
So today, I invite you to relax and lean into the
embrace of the Holy One as you meditate on these Psalms of
affirmation. Scripture Affirmations are helpful statements of Truth
that we can memorize and repeat to encourage positive thoughts and
beliefs about our self and how God sees us.
There will be spaces for you to embody these truths
and engage your body, soul, mind and spirit as we turn each
affirmation into a breath prayer.
Pray each breath prayer 2 or 3 times in the rhythm of
your natural breathing…
Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Breath Prayer…
Inhale: I love you Lord
Exhale: Because you listen to me
Psalm 139:1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and
know everything about me.
Inhale: Thank you Lord
Exhale: that I am known by you
Psalm 139: 13-14
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my
body,
Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know
it!
Inhale: You made me O God
Exhale: I am a marvelous creation
Psalm 139:17
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They
cannot be numbered.
Inhale: Precious thoughts of me
Exhale: are always on God’s mind
Psalm 144:1-2
Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He is my loving ally
and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. I take refuge in
him.
Inhale: God is on my side
Exhale: He is my loving ally
Psalm 146:9
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion
on all his creation.
Inhale: God is good to me
Exhale: His compassion for me is endless
Psalm 70:4
May all who search for you be filled with joy and
gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout,
“God is great!”
Inhale: I search for you O God
Exhale: you fill me with joy and gladness
I hope these thoughts and affirmations have been
encouraging tips to you on your spiritual journey. We’ll be taking
a break for the summer. We invite you to revisit some of your
favorite meditations.
‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26