Hello and welcome to meditation time.
My name is James Whitaker.
This meditation can be done either seated or lying down as long as you are comfortable.
This evening I'm going to read a chapter from the book of Psalms.
These passages describe the safety and the security that we can find in God.
After we are going to spend some time in prayer,
Meditation,
And reflection as we make it more personal,
Let's open with prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being close at all times.
Thank you for being a Father who helps and saves.
Thank you for the place of safety that we can find in you.
Please hear the cries of our hearts as we spend time in your presence.
Calm our hearts,
Calm our minds,
And calm our breath.
In Jesus name.
We are now going to deeply focus on our breath.
Start by just being with your breath.
In and out.
Don't change anything yet.
Just focus on where you feel it and how it feels.
For instance,
How does it feel on the space between your mouth and your nose?
Is it cold air or is it warm?
Just settle into those thoughts.
Okay,
Now we are going to make our breath more even and more balanced.
Please follow along.
In through your nose,
Long and deep,
Out through your mouth,
Long and slow.
In through your nose,
Long and deep,
Out through your mouth,
Long and slow.
Gently close your eyes.
In through your nose,
Long and deep,
Out through your mouth,
Long and slow.
In through your nose,
Long and deep,
Long and deep,
Out through your mouth,
Long and slow.
Let your breathing return to its normal rhythm.
If you find yourself distracted during the meditation,
You can return to this breath practice.
Let yourself settle in a little more.
Feel your body on whatever surface you are on.
Keep your eyes closed and focus.
As I read a few scriptures,
Focus on the feelings of safety and security.
After the reading,
There will be a time of peaceful meditation as the music continues.
Have a wonderful and restful sleep.
Tonight's scripture is taken from Psalms 91,
1-16 in the Passion Translation.
When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,
You are hidden in the strength of God Most High.
He's the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me.
The only God for me and my great confidence.
He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy and he will protect you from every false accusation and deadly curse.
His massive arms are wrapped around you,
Protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.
You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night,
Nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.
Don't fear a thing.
Whether by night or by day,
Demonic danger will not trouble you,
Nor will the powers of the evil be launched against you.
Even in a time of disaster,
With thousands and thousands being killed,
You will remain unscathed and unharmed.
You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
For they will be paid back for what they have done.
When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
Our secret hiding place,
We will always be shielded from harm.
How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
Defending you from all harm.
If you walk into a trap,
They'll be there for you and keep you from stumbling.
You'll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
Trampling every one of them beneath your feet.
For here is what the Lord has spoken to me.
Because you have loved me,
Delighted in me,
And have been loyal to my name,
I will greatly protect you.
I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
And you will feel my presence in your time of trouble.
I will deliver you and bring you honor.
I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you,
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation.
Amen.
