This is a meditation for those who are seeking peace through the Word of God.
Promises and blessings from the King James Bible are strung together here with the hope that you will feel lightened and see the Lord's hand in your life,
Regardless of what you are currently called to pass through.
The passages I will share are from both the Old and New Testament.
Each scripture came in a different moment in time and in a different personal hour of need or inspiration spanning many centuries.
In each instance there was purpose,
There was struggle,
And from all of these separate moments of distress comes this kaleidoscope of light and love.
No matter where we are in time or how much distance separates us,
We as a human family share a connection through adversity and a need for hope.
May these words,
Woven as an offering of that hope,
Remind you that you are not alone.
You are known.
You are loved.
Find a comfortable position now.
Take a deep breath,
Expelling it completely.
Draw in a clean new breath,
Filling your lungs from the bottom up.
Hold it for just a few moments.
Now release.
As you draw in the next breath,
Call up any tension or stress that has been trapped in your body.
Blow it out,
Release it from your muscles,
Release it from your heart,
Release it from your lungs.
As you draw in the next breath,
Lay your hand on your heart.
I invite you with this breath to open your heart to receive peace.
Blessed are they that mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Be strong and of a good courage.
Be not afraid,
Neither be thou dismayed,
For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.
Take my yoke upon you and learn of me,
For I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
I will not leave you comfortless,
I will come to you.
Behold,
God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid,
For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song,
He also is become my salvation.
Blessed be God,
Even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Fear not,
For I am with thee.
I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
For he will speak peace.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is.
Peace be both to thee and peace be to thine house and peace be unto all that thou hast.
Perfect love casteth out fear.
Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give unto you,
Not as the world giveth give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed,
But my kindness shall not depart from thee,
Neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,
Saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Acquaint now thyself with him and be at peace,
Thereby good shall come unto thee.
Be of good comfort,
Be of one mind,
Live in peace,
And the God of love and peace shall be with you.
And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
And he arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea,
Peace be still.
And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
These things I have spoken unto you,
That in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation,
But be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
Grace be with you,
Mercy and peace,
From God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love.
Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied.
As we come to the conclusion of this meditation,
If there are any particular words or phrases that called out to you,
Allow those words and feelings that arose to penetrate your heart.
Perhaps write down any thoughts or impressions that arose as you listened.
One of the beautiful gifts offered by these ancient records is their ability to speak to us from the dust for our personal needs.
May the God of love and peace be with you.
Amen.
