Welcome in.
Find a comfortable position.
Let your shoulders soften.
Unclench your jaw.
Allow your body to rest right here.
You do not have to force anything in this moment.
You do not have to strive.
You do not have to perform.
You are allowed to simply be here with God.
Take a slow breath in through your nose for four.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Gently exhale through your mouth for six.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five,
Six.
Again,
Inhale for four.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Exhale for six.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five,
Six.
One more time.
Inhale for four.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Exhale for six.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five,
Six.
As you continue breathing at your own pace,
Hear these words.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 4610.
Let that settle over your heart.
Be still and know God is here.
Breathe in slowly.
And as you breathe in,
Think,
God is with me.
Breathe out gently.
And as you breathe out,
Think,
I release my fear.
Again,
Breathe in.
God is with me.
Breathe out.
I release my fear.
Again,
Breathe in.
God is with me.
Breathe out.
I release my fear.
If your thoughts are racing,
That is okay.
If your body feels tense,
That is okay.
You are not failing in this moment.
You are simply returning.
Returning to your breath.
Returning to God's presence.
Returning to safety one breath at a time.
Hear this truth.
The Lord is near to the you.
Inhale through your nose for four.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Exhale gently for six.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five,
Six.
Again,
Inhale and receive God's peace.
Exhale and let your body soften.
Inhale.
God's love is here.
Exhale.
You do not have to carry everything alone.
Let this final truth rest in your spirit.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56-3.
Take one final deep breath in and slowly let it go.
When you are ready,
Gently wiggle your fingers.
Relax your shoulders once more.
And remind yourself,
God is near.
God is kind.
God is holding me even now.
Amen.