The Daily Still Podcast - Guided Christian Meditations and Devotions

Today we complete our Journey through Lent with a focus on Patience. We consider the question: What tests my patience?

Prayer reference: "Patient Trust" By Teilhard de Chardin

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Forgiveness and making space for confession.

Scripture Reference: John 8:36 

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Surrender. We consider the question: What stands between me and surrender?

References: Matthew 16:24 and The Wesleyan Prayer of Surrender

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Service. We consider the questions: Who do I find difficult to love or serve? What is one way I can overcome indifference by serving someone today?

Scripture references: 1 Peter 4:10 and Matthew 25:35-40

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our 6 episode Journey through Lent with a focus on Lament and Psalm 42. We consider the question: Where is my heart discouraged?

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

An invitation of Returning - A Journey through Lent
 
During this season of Lent, you?re invited to join The Daily Still Podcast each Monday for a Journey of Returning to God through meditation and personal reflection. We will offer six meditations that correspond with the six weeks of Lent.
 
A great place to start this journey, is to ask yourself:

Where do I feel distant from God?
What practices will deepen the love of God in me?
 
Scripture Reference: ??And yet even now,? says the Lord, ?return to me with all your heart.?? - Joel 2:12-13 NLT
 
Meditations written and hosted by Cindy Helton, Spiritual Director
 
 Podcast Production by SoundGood Media
 
 Thank you for listening to The Daily Still Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to follow, subscribe and rate our show. Your reviews help others find us and are an encouragement to our team.

Today, as we complete Season 7 of The Daily Still Podcast, we offer you space to ponder and rediscover Christ?s presence in your life as we reflect upon our continuing journey of faith.

 

In Luke 24 we read the story of two disciples walking along the road together discussing Jesus? death and questioning what they believed. Then a divine encounter occurs. Jesus appears and begins walking with them, but they don?t know who he is. In this story, we are reminded that Jesus walks with us in our doubts too. 

 

If Jesus was to join you on the road, what questions would you have for Him?

 

We invite you to find a quiet place, as you imagine walking down the street with Jesus, discussing your faith and questions.

 

"Didn?t our hearts burn within us as he walked with us on the road?" Luke 24:32 NLT

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life." Isaiah 55:3 NLT

 

May you walk through each day with your eyes and ears wide open to Divine encounters on your journey.

 

 

 

 

In the Church calendar, the time from the Monday after Pentecost until the first Sunday of Advent is called ordinary time. We can look at this season as a time of living out our faith in the ordinary or routine moments of life.

 

Today we look at a familiar story in Mark 16 where three women are going to the tomb to anoint Jesus? body. An angel greets them saying, ?You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He isn?t here. He is risen from the dead! Now go and tell his disciples? including Peter.? The special mention of ?Peter? by name is so important. In the ordinary days that followed, perhaps the disciples doubted that Peter, or any of them, could still be called disciples after denying and doubting Jesus. 

 

In living out our faith in ordinary and routine days, we will face doubt. But there?s this beautiful invitation inviting us back into relationship with the One who pursues us on our pathway of faith.

 

 

This week we come together as a faith community to focus on ?Pentecost and The Breath of God? with a favorite encore guest meditation by our friend, Olly Ryder, from Plymouth, England. Olly is an Anglican priest and church planter.    Olly shares in his meditation that scripture tells us the breath or wind of God is a recurring picture of God?s Presence with us, through the Holy Spirit. In Genesis, God?s Spirit hovers over creation itself and God?s breath brings life into Adam. And the New Testament tells us God?s Spirit rests on Jesus throughout His life and ministry. The wind of God empowers the Church from the day of Pentecost. And it?s God?s breath that is available today to give life to you, and to me. We can be assured, when we invite God to fill us?He does.   Where has the air in the room of your soul gone stale? Where do you need the fresh wind of God?s Spirit to refresh you?   Breathe in Spiritual Air with each physical breath you take. Let the wind of God reach the hidden places of your heart. God?s Breath is available every moment of every day to put fresh wind in the sails of our souls.   Prayer: Breath of God, Holy Spirit, come breathe on us we pray.   Again Jesus said, ?Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and said, ?Receive the Holy Spirit.? John 20:21-22    

This meditation focuses on practicing unrushed rhythms.   Slowing down the pace of life, as well as the information we take in, promotes a quiet soul. Studies show, calm, quiet moments are a trigger to our brain ? minimizing the body?s physical response to stress, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones. This produces better concentration and overall emotional health.   Our souls need space to Breathe!   Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us: "Life is a journey, not a destination." This is true of the spiritual life as well.   So what will we discover on that journey? The answer may just be found in the pace of life that we keep.   Scripture: Jeremiah 2:25 MSG Psalm 46:10 MSG

Creating intentional space to quiet our souls prepares an environment that is imperative for a healthy inner life, as well as our external lives. Stillness births transformation, a process that cannot be rushed. Change takes place slowly as we surrender to our Maker?s loving Grace.
 
SCRIPTURES
Psalm 131:2 ESV
Psalm 46:10 CEV
John 14:8 NIV
Psalm 119:114,119 The MSG
Acts 17:27-28 NIV
Romans 8:26-28 MSG

This Daily Still meditation focuses on the nearness of God and the holy hush it ushers into our souls as we pay attention to the Divine all around us. We invite you to pause and breathe in deeply, as you quiet your soul in order to notice the Glory of God.   

We are honored to offer a special encore guest meditation by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is the New York Times best selling author of ?This Here Flesh - Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us.?

In today?s podcast episode, Cole shares a meditative reading from the chapter of her book on Rest.

We invite you to enter into a place of centering stillness, becoming aware of the Divine within. Feel the wind of the Spirit blowing, as you settle in and listen to this beautiful meditation by Cole Arthur Riley.

And be sure to check out my in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series. (Episode dated May 12, 2022)

Cole serves as the spiritual teacher in residence with Cornell University?s Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. She is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator.

For more on Cole and her work, visit www.colearthurriley.com

@colearthurriley and @blackliturgies

Today?s meditation focuses on Psalm 145:5-6 and God as our Redeemer. The God of the Universe stepped down from glory and became human flesh in the person of Jesus - the ?Redeemer and Savior? of the world.   We are in the Easter season of the Church, known as ?Eastertide.? As we participate in the seasons of the Church, we join with those who have gone before us in practicing sacred rhythms that are so important to our faith. These rhythms help to guide us in spiritual transformation. Each season of the Church brings to us a fresh perspective in seeking and knowing God.   Psalm 145:5-6 "I remember the days of old. I meditate on all you have done. I ponder the work of your hands."

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 96, Declaring the Glory of God, as we reflect upon the resurrection of Christ and make space for joy and celebration. We are in the Easter season of the Church called Eastertide, a period of 50 days of celebration that spans from Easter to Pentecost, proclaiming Christ?s victory over death. Christ is risen! Our Savior lives. And the Kingdom of Heaven is now! This is the Church?s great season of joy!

Psalm 96 gives testimony that the whole world and everything in it responds to the power of God to turn death into life! The risen Christ is everywhere?in the renewal of spring and all of creation, and in us!    As you meditate upon this Psalm, you are invited to be fully present, engaging all of your senses in worship of the Risen Savior.    "With His last breath before death, Jesus says that the best place for His life is in the hands of God, Everything is only finished when everything is entrusted into God?s hands." -Ann Voskamp     Scripture: Psalm 96 NLT, Psalm 134 NIV

?He is risen! He is risen indeed!?

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6

On Easter Sunday, all sorrow of holy week is turned to joy and praise.

Holy Week reveals contrasts:

The crucifixion and the resurrection, death and life, sin and salvation, sorrow and hope.
Pause for a few moments and breathe in this holy exchange?.
Breath in salvation/Exhale sin
Breathe in freedom/Exhale bondage
Breathe in hope/Exhale sorrow
Breathe in faith/Exhale doubt
Breathe in LIFE
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Thank you for joining us on this Holy Week journey. We hope your spirit has been encouraged and filled with renewed hope.
If you have enjoyed our podcast, please subscribe and rate us. And if you know someone who would benefit from listening, please share it with a friend.

"Wait on the mercy of your Lord Jesus Christ." - Jude 21

On this day, the Lord Jesus Christ lays in the tomb after his death on the cross. But God is always at work behind the scenes and beyond what we can see or imagine. And so we wait in hope of the glorious resurrection.

What are you waiting for in your life and hoping to be true?

"I wait quietly before God?for my victory comes from him." - Psalm 62:1 NLT

If Jesus did not give up on us and abandon us before going to the cross, He will certainly not abandon us now. God will never leave you or forsake you, even in the silence.

For He has said, ?I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!? Hebrews 13:5 - The Amplified Bible

Faith looks up in hope to the God who keeps His promises.

Be with us now Lord, in the waiting.

Today we look at the cross and remember the price Jesus paid, as He took our sin upon Himself.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV

As Jesus continued his journey through passion week, His throne would be a cross, and his crown would be made of thorns. Jesus could have chosen to stop the journey before the cross, but He didn?t."

God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT Romans 5:8

?For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

The Last Supper, shared by Jesus and His disciples, is commemorated on this Holy Thursday. This meal was rich in symbolic meaning. We are all invited to come together as one family, to the table of our Lord.

Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

This night would end with Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would ultimately be betrayed, arrested, and deserted by his disciples.

You are invited to remain with Jesus in the garden of prayer where He prayed to the Father.

?My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.? - Matthew 26:42

Matthew 26:6-13 NIV ? (Jesus Anointed at Bethany) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ?Why this waste?? they asked. ?This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.? Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ?Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.? This extravagant act symbolized Jesus was Christ, a title meaning ?anointed one.? Anointing the head of Jesus was symbolic of anointing a King. God sees the desire and motives of our hearts. And every act of love, faith, sacrifice and obedience is recognized and remembered by our Creator. Also on this day, the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, and Judas agrees to betray Him. "Then one of the Twelve?the one called Judas Iscariot?went to the chief priests and asked, ?What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?? So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." Matthew 26:14-16
Jesus was betrayed by a friend in his inner circle. We have all felt the sting of betrayal. And we have all stumbled, wandered and betrayed our Lord in one way or another.
In this space, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart?

On Holy Tuesday, the religious leaders tried to discredit Jesus' power and ultimate authority. But Jesus clearly states his deity and authority in John 14:6. He is the way, the truth and the life. He died so that we can have personal access to the Father. Jesus invites us to trust in Him. Silence and solitude is a place of resting and trusting in God. We invite you to pause for a few moments of silent reflection. "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path." - Psalm 37:7&24

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus tells his disciples ? ?I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don?t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.? - Matthew 21:21-22

Jesus suffered so all people, his entire creation, could be set free. ?Lift up your prayers, in faith, for yourself, your family, your community and the world.

"Save me, O God. I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.? Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me.? I will praise God?s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. ?Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them." - Psalm 69

As you walk with Jesus on his way to the cross, ask Him to help you see His great love and mercy for you more clearly.

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It?s remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains?where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

?Faith is the gaze of a soul?upon a saving God.? - A.W. Tozer

Today we hold space for grief. Grief, suffering, and loss touch all parts of our world in communal and personal ways. This week here in the United States, right in our hometown of Nashville, TN, we have experienced the tragedy and trauma of gun violence. We can become desensitized and unable to process so much tragic news. Often words alone seem inadequate. We need silence in the presence of a loving and compassionate God who sees our tears.

There is importance in sharing space for grief, to sit with our feelings, and help one another process our emotions.

In this meditation, we offer space to grieve and mourn - for ourselves and/or for those who are mourning. We make space to honor and remember each precious life. We make space to get in touch with our own feelings. And we make space to consider how God is calling us to action and to show compassion to those hurting.

We?ll be meditating on a prayer from Psalm 57, TPT.

We invite you to prepare a quiet place for this time of meditation. Perhaps light a candle. Don?t rush or hurry this time. Linger as long as you need to process your feelings. Allow the Spirit of God to minister to the places in your heart that need to be comforted and healed.

Have mercy on me, O God?for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 57:1 NLT

In Memory of:

Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9;
William Kinney, 9
Hallie Scruggs, 9.
Katherine Koonce, 60
Mike Hill, 61
Cynthia Peak, 61 

 

   

Today we are pleased to present an encore guest meditation by Aaron Niequist. Aaron is a liturgist, writer, and pastor who recently graduated from General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy - a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. He then curated a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called ?The Practice?. Aaron released a book called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-based Faith can Save us from Drowning, and continues to create resources to help others flesh it out. But that?s just job stuff. The best part of his life is his wife Shauna, and their sons Henry and Mac. 

Today is a special episode celebrating 1,000,000 downloads! We are so grateful to you our Daily Still community from all over the world who have tuned in and made this possible. We began the podcast, 180 episodes and almost 4 years ago, with the desire to help others recognize the voice of God in their own life. In this episode, host Cindy Helton will be answering some of your questions and sharing the story that began her stillness journey.  

The Daily Still Podcast is celebrating 1,000,000 listener downloads! We?re so incredibly thankful to you, our listening community!   Next week we?re planning a special episode to celebrate this milestone and we?d love to have you be a part of it! If you have any questions you?d like to ask our host, Cindy Helton, or if you?d like to share how these meditations have helped you on your stillness journey, we?d like to include you in our celebration episode!    Please send a voice memo or email to [email protected] by next Friday, March 17th and be sure to include your name and where you?re from.       Today?s meditation focuses on 2 Corinthians 12:9 ?My grace is all you need! My power works best in weakness.? NIV   In reading the gospels, Jesus demonstrates a self-emptying, and surrendered posture. It?s encouraging to know that in following the way of Jesus, we are invited to show up in our weakness.   What would self emptying look like for you in this season of your life?   May you rest in the full expression of God?s power and grace made perfect in your weakness. 

In this week?s meditation, Jesus addresses the topic of worry. We can?t escape fear and worry in this world. Fear causes us to try and attempt to control our circumstances. This subconsciously leads to not trusting that God is in control. Jesus teaches us to release our fears and trust HIm, and turn from anxious thoughts towards faith.    Scripture References: Matthew 6 NLT, Matthew 6:34 CSB, John 14:27 NLT, Philippians 4:6-7

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Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others and is an encouragement to our small team.

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Blessings to you on your stillness journey!

This week?s meditation looks at revival, both personal and in the Church as a whole. We are in the Lenten Season of the Church, a season set apart for the purpose of returning to God and paying attention to Divine Presence in our lives.   Lent is a journey of grace, allowing us to follow the way of Jesus. We are invited to personally bear witness to Christ?s miraculous life of love and transforming presence in our lives. Revival and spiritual renewal is necessary in every generation. And so we return, once again, to the cross. Revive us, Oh Lord.    Scripture References: Matthew 7:7-8 CSB, Joel 2:12 NRSV

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Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others and is an encouragement to our small team.

If you?d like to help support the work and production of this podcast, we now have Venmo and Paypal options. Support The Daily Still Podcast via Paypal or Support The Daily Still via Venmo  
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Blessings to you on your stillness journey!

In the Sermon on the Mount, after Jesus told his followers not to worry, he then instructed them to seek first the Kingdom of God above all else. There seems to be a connection between not worrying and Kingdom living. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is now. 

It?s a particular level of human consciousness in our every day living and thinking that seeks the way of Christ. 

When is it hardest for you to seek first God?s ways?

What would it look like for you to seek first God?s way of doing things?

Join us for a few minutes of stillness as we meditate upon the words of Jesus and cultivate a Kingdom state of mind.

Matthew 6.33 NLT, Matthew 6:33~34 The Message, Matthew 6:33 The Amplified Bible

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Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others and is an encouragement to our small team.

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Blessings to you on your stillness journey!

This week?s meditation continues with the Sermon on the Mount, which is a collection of the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.

 

Find a quiet space, calm the noise around you and within you, as you listen to these words of Jesus. Consider what penetrates your heart and how you you might be encouraged to respond to this teaching.

 

Scripture references:

Matthew 5:13-16 The Message and Living Bible

Philippians 1:14 The Message

 

Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others and is an encouragement to our small team.

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This week we focus on the words of Jesus given in his sermon on the mount. Jesus taught a counter-cultural way of living that brings joy and blessing, comfort and peace. 

 

As you listen to Jesus, picture yourself as part of the crowd sitting on the hillside that day. Do you come up close to the teacher, or do you remain further back in the crowd? Listen for new insight in this familiar teaching. 

 

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-10 TPT and CSB

 

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The Supernatural, Divine Presence of Jesus brings hope in the waiting. Courage in our fears. Strength in our weakness. Confidence in our doubts. Comfort in our hardships. Rest in our weariness. Guidance on our journey. Love with us always.

 

Jesus in us. For us. Guiding us.

 

Today we invite you to join us in meditating upon breath prayers of affirmation and trust. 

 

I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 NLT

 

In Philippians 2:9-11 NLT

Paul the apostle wrote this about Jesus -

"God elevated him to the place of highest honor, and gave him the name above all other names,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil. 2:9-11 NLT

Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others. 

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?You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.?
Matthew 28:20 ERV

Last words are important. As Jesus days on earth were coming to an end, He often told His disciples of what was to come. His words were important for His followers to hold onto in times of fear and doubt and loneliness.

?Remember, I am with you always.? Insert your name and repeat this promise over yourself. "__________, I am with you always."

Today we offer space to simply sit in the presence of the Holy One. Receive Divine encouragement as you become fully present with the One who is always present with you.

Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others. 

If you?d like to help support the work and production of this podcast and help keep us ad free, we now have Venmo and Paypal options. Support The Daily Still Podcast via Paypal or Support The Daily Still via Venmo  
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Today we meditate upon a well known parable of Jesus. In the Bible, new wine is often symbolic of the Holy Spirit?s work in our life. Jesus wants to do new things in us and through us, His vessels. (Matthew 9:16-17)

Take whatever space is necessary to reflect upon what God is saying to you. You may want to pause or relisten to give yourself the time you need to reflect or journal.

 Lyrics referenced:
?New Wine?  by Hillsong Worship

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Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others.  
 

 

This meditation focuses on the words of Jesus in John 15. Jesus tells us He is the True Vine and Source of Life. 

Take whatever space is necessary to reflect upon what God is saying to you. You may want to pause or relisten to give yourself the time you need to reflect or journal.
 
As you reflect on the past week?. 
Where did you notice the life-giving benefits of abiding in Christ?
When did you feel disconnected?
Compare the the two different sources of strength and how they made you feel.

Scripture References: "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit." John 15:5 NRSV, John 15:1,4,5 The Message

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Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others.  
 

Thank you for listening to The Daily Still Podcast and Happy New Year!

 

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Today we begin Season 7 - Meditating on the Words of Jesus. If you struggle with anxiety, fear, busyness, distractions, or if you?re simply looking for peace and calming moments in the midst of a loud world, here is space where your soul can breathe.

 

You may want to pause and journal these prompts:

As we begin a brand new year, where do you find yourself?

What hopes do you have?

What burdens are you carrying?

What was life giving for you in the past year?

What would you do differently?

 

Join us each Monday as we meditate on the Words of Jesus and seek to live in unforced rhythms of Grace.

 

Scripture:

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

Then Jesus said, ?Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.? 

 

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

?Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you?ll recover your life. I?ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me?watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you?ll learn to live freely and light

 

Hosted and written by: Cindy Helton, Spiritual Director 

 

Merry Christmas! We are excited to be returning with all new meditations on January 2, 2023! Join us for Season 7 each Monday as we reflect on "The Words of Jesus."

And in the meantime, enjoy this encore musical Christmas meditation, featuring holiday songs from the artist J. Lauren, who happens to be host Cindy Helton?s daughter and The Daily Still Podcast producer!

Come let us celebrate the mystery and hope of Jesus - God with us. Joy for all people! And heaven and nature sing!

J.Lauren?s Christmas album, "Merry Christmas (Love, J.Lauren)" is out wherever you listen to music! Click here for links to J.Lauren?s music

Verse references:
Luke 2:10-11 ? ?I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior ? yes, the Messiah, the Lord ? has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Matthew 2:10 ? When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
1 Chronicles 16:27 ? Honor and majesty surround Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling.
Psalm 70:4 ? God, may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You

Join us for an all new season of The Daily Still beginning Monday, January 2, 2023! In the meantime, please enjoy this encore Christmas meditation. Merry Christmas!
  Let us prepare our hearts in anticipation of Christ?s birth. The stories and scriptures may be familiar, but there is always more to ponder. This meditation focuses on Mary?s story and her faithful ?yes? to the mystery of God. As you listen, consider with fresh insight the courage of Mary. Consider the fear she must have experienced, the vulnerability and disbelief. Ponder her consent and surrender in saying ?yes? to the mystery of the Incarnation. And consider, ?Where are you being invited to say 'Yes' to divine appointments in your life??    Find a quiet space, take several deep breaths, perhaps light an advent candle, and become aware of God with you.    Scripture references are taken from The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1 NIV

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

In this episode of the podcast, we?ll consider what it looks like to practice the presence of God in the ordinary moments of our life.

The Christian Church celebrates 7 distinct seasons in the Church calendar year. The season begins with advent, then Christmas, Ephiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary time.

 

In our daily lives, we keep track of activities and special events with a calendar. Throughout the centuries, the Church has followed a calendar of special days, feasts and seasons too. Each season plays an important role in our faith journey as we remember and celebrate the gift of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

 

The majority of the Church calendar year is spent in Ordinary Time, as we live out the ordinary moments of life.

 

The ancient rhythms of prayer and meditation, remind us of the human story and great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us, giving testimony to the love of God through Christ.

 

Our passion and purpose at The Daily Still Podcast is to help others notice and pay attention to God?s Presence with us in the every day moments. 

 

Every moment is holy. 

Every moment is sacred ? whether we are planting flowers, helping our neighbor, doing laundry, tending to a child, laughing, crying, preparing a meal, grieving, working, loving, vacationing, studying, playing, dreaming, hoping, praying. 

 

In everything Christ is with us! Christ is in us! 

Christ is for us! 

 

There?s a Divine invitation with your name on it to pull away from the busyness, distractions, and details that consume you. 

 

It?s an invitation to live in the Divine Presence of God ? now.

 

What would it look like if we truly lived  from a place of Divine companionship?

 

Where will you notice God with you today?

 

As you listen to these scriptures from the Book of Psalms, picture how they apply to each aspect of your life. 

 

You are He who took me from the womb?from my mother?s womb you have been my God. Psalm 22:9-10

 

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

 

Psalm 90:16-17 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands. 

 

Psalm 22:1-2

My God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?

 

Psalm 36:

How precious is your unfailing love, O God!

All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.

8  You feed them from lthe abundance of your own house,

Letting them drink from mthe river of nyour delights. Psalm 36:7-8 

 

Psalm 32:8

The LORD says, ?I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 

  

He heals the brokenhearted

 and binds up their wounds.Psalm 147: 3

 

Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! Psalm 111:1-2 

 

Psalm 143:5

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. 

This week we focus on The Breath of God and Pentecost with a special guest meditation by Olly Ryder from Plymouth England. Olly is an Anglican priest and church planter, and runs a city centre resource church with his wife, Ali.   Olly shared Christian meditation has helped him slow down and tap into more stillness, silence and solitude, experiencing the undercurrent of God?s Spirit beneath all the surface noise.   Here are some of Olly?s tips:   Practicing Silence & Solitude - Alongside my normal daily devotional practices such as 5 year journaling, bible reading and extempore prayer, I now incorporate a lot more silent prayer, biblical meditation and solitude including: 1 - Timer - As part of my morning prayers I now set a timer on my phone for 5/10 or 15 minutes, open with a short prayer and then sit in silence in God's presence. When the timer finishes I have a gentle alarm to end the time - and sometimes treat myself to another session! Initially 5 minutes felt a long time, now it feels as if I'm just getting going. The Daily Still has been a great spring board in cultivating silence and tuning into God's voice and continues to be a great help. 2 - Meditation - I've been memorizing and using different set prayers and verses of scripture, particularly the Psalms, as a tool for prayer. During the night if I wake and start worrying about something I'll try and replace my worries by reciting a Psalm in my mind or even just a word or phrase such as 'the Lord is my shepherd', or 'good Shepherd', or 'Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy' or one word such as 'Peace'. 3 - Nature - I've also been finding deliberately noticing nature so helpful and soul filling. My phone camera roll is now filled with photographs of flowers and trees! I've also got some binoculars to spot birds. Often on a Saturday morning as a family we will go for a walk with some hot chocolate, cream and marshmallows and spend time in God's creation just slowing down and cutting out some of the distractions.  4 - Exercise - Exercise continues to be key in maintaining soul peace. I enjoy walking, running and wild swimming.  5 - Reading - It's been so helpful over this year in particular to read some books that fill my soul. I've been enjoying some of Eugene Peterson's books, he's got a very contemplative pace.   Olly Ryder Vicar // St Matthias Plymouth stmplymouth.org.uk

Today we offer a meditation on Grieving a Tragedy. Here in the United States, we have recently experienced the pain and trauma of gun violence in an elementary school in Texas, a grocery store in New York, and a church in California.   We can become desensitized and unable to process so much tragic news. Often words alone seem inadequate. We need silence in the presence of a Holy God.   So today we make space to grieve and mourn for those who are mourning. We make space to get in touch with our own feelings and emotions. And we make space to consider how God is calling us to action and to show compassion to those hurting.   We?ll be meditating on a prayer from Psalm 57, TPT. We invite you to prepare a quiet place for this time of meditation. Perhaps light a candle. Don?t rush or hurry this time. Linger as long as you need to process your feelings.    Have mercy on me, O God?for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 57:1 NLT   These are the 19 children and 2 teachers whose lives were taken at Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas: Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, 10 Amerie Jo Garza, 10 Tess Marie Mata, 10 Jose Flores, 10 Miranda Mathis, 11 Maite Rodriguez, 10 Makenna Lee Elrod, 10 Xavier Lopez, 10 Eliana Garcia, 9 Layla Salazar, 10 Eliahana Cruz Torres, 10 Alithia Ramierz, 10 Jackie Cazares, 10 Annabelle Rodriguez, 10 Jailah Silguero, 10 Jayce Luevanos, 10 Uziyah Garcia, 9 Nevaeh Bravo, 10 Rojelio Torres, 10 Eva Mireles, 44 Irma Garcia, 46   California Church  Dr. John Cheng, 52   These are the names of the lives taken in the Buffalo, New York Grocery Store mass shooting: Roberta A, Drury, 32 Margus D. Morrison, 52 Andre Mackneil, 53 Aaron Salter, 55 Geraldine Talley, 62 Celestine Chaney, 65 Heyward Patterson, 67 Katherine Massey, 72 Pearl Young, 77 Ruth Whitfield, 86

Today?s meditation focuses on a medley of Psalms expressing a longing for more of God. As you join us in this practice of Christian meditation, know you?re being drawn by Divine Love. So we come as a response to this Divine invitation.   How do we begin? Simple with sincerity of desire. God always gives us His undivided attention. In this space, we take a few moments to give God our undivided attention.   We live in a fast paced, noisy world. Slowing down and waiting on God is hard. It takes patience and practice. But slowly, we begin to see a shifting in our awareness of God. We become more attuned to the still small voice that is whispering to our spirits.   As we read and meditate on The Living Word, we are hearing God! So let these words wash over you and refresh you.   There will be pauses after each verse for your own contemplation. As you listen, repeat the word or phrase that resonates with your soul.   Psalm 48:9, Psalm 62:1, 63:1, 62:6, Psalm 1:2-3, Psalm 105:4, Psalm 89:15, Psalm 31:19-20 Psalm 42:5, Psalm 70:4, Psalm 84:9-11   Thank you for joining us! If you enjoy The Daily Still Podcast, please subscribe and rate us. For longer meditations and music, find us on iTunes.

This meditation focuses on Psalm 23 and Psalm 63. Both Psalms are written by David, the shepherd. As you ponder these Psalms, notice the personal nature of the Psalmist?s relationship to God.

Psalm 23 is known as The Shepherd?s Psalm. What beautiful hope is found in the promise of God as our Shepherd and Guide, pursuing us all the days of our lives.

Psalm 63 was written while David was hiding in the wilderness of Judah, yet David proclaims joy, protection and provision is found in the Presence of God.

Whatever you may be facing, we invite you to settle in and enjoy a few moments of stillness as the Shepherd of your soul guides you to the still waters of rest.

Scripture References: Psalm 23 TPT, Psalm 23:6 CSB, Psalm 63

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This is a special bonus episode and conversation on stillness with New York Times best selling author Cole Arthur Riley.   Cole is a writer, poet and the author of ?THIS HERE FLESH: Spirituality, Liberation and the Stories that Make Us." Cole is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a hugely popular and important Instagram space.   This conversation is honest and authentic as we discuss liturgy, wonder, spiritual formation, breath prayer, and more.   For more on Cole, visit http://www.colearthurriley.com @colearthurriley @blackliturgies

We are honored to offer a special guest meditation by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is the New York Times best selling author of ?This Here Flesh - Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us.?

In today?s podcast episode, Cole shares a meditative reading from the chapter of her book on Rest.

We invite you to enter into a place of centering stillness, becoming aware of the Divine within. Feel the wind of the Spirit blowing, as you settle in and listen to this beautiful meditation by Cole Arthur Riley.

And be sure to join us on Thursday for a bonus episode and in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series.

Cole serves as the spiritual teacher in residence with Cornell University?s Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. She is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator.

For more on Cole and her work, visit www.colearthurriley.com

@colearthurriley and @blackliturgies

Today?s meditation focuses on Psalm 145:5-6 and God as our Redeemer. The God of the Universe stepped down from glory and became human flesh in the person of Jesus - the ?Redeemer and Savior? of the world.   We are in the Easter season of the Church, known as ?Eastertide.? As we participate in the seasons of the Church, we join with those who have gone before us in practicing sacred rhythms that are so important to our faith. These rhythms help to guide us in spiritual transformation. Each season of the Church brings to us a fresh perspective in seeking and knowing God.   Psalm 145:5-6 "I remember the days of old. I meditate on all you have done. I ponder the work of your hands."

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 96, Declaring the Glory of God, as we reflect upon the resurrection of Christ and make space for joy and celebration. We are in the Easter season of the Church called Eastertide, a period of 50 days of celebration that spans from Easter to Pentecost, proclaiming Christ?s victory over death. Christ is risen! Our Savior lives. And the Kingdom of Heaven is now! This is the Church?s great season of joy!

Psalm 96 gives testimony that the whole world and everything in it responds to the power of God to turn death into life! The risen Christ is everywhere?in the renewal of spring and all of creation, and in us!    As you meditate upon this Psalm, you are invited to be fully present, engaging all of your senses in worship of the Risen Savior.    Scripture: Psalm 96 NLT, Psalm 134 NIV Quote: With HIs last breath before death, Jesus says that the best place for His life is in the hands of God, Everything is only finished when everything is entrusted into God?s hands. -Ann Voskamp

The Hope of The World - Resurrection Sunday
?He is risen! He is risen indeed!?
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6
On Easter Sunday, all sorrow of holy week is turned to joy and praise.
Holy Week reveals contrasts: the crucifixion and the resurrection, death and life, sin and salvation, sorrow and hope.
Pause for a few moments and breathe in this holy exchange?.
Breath in salvation/Exhale sin
Breathe in freedom/Exhale bondage
Breathe in hope/Exhale sorrow
Breathe in faith/Exhale doubt
Breathe in LIFE
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Thank you for joining us on this Holy Week journey. We hope your spirit has been encouraged and filled with renewed hope.
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