Spiritual Disciplines: A Simple Meditation

Everyone of us experiences times of stress, worry, or hardship. And no matter how well we know scripture, or how often we pray, we can get stuck feeling anxious, weary or just done with all the junk that seems to come our way. So what are some things we can do? Here are some ideas you may have tried before: We can have a verse we are memorizing and meditating on, write it on a card and carry it around to pray through and absorb. We can also sing along with a worship song in the car between one thing or another, taking time to really slow down and engage with the Lord, focus on the words, and be purposeful to sing our praise to God. We can also listen to a sermon or podcast, absorbing good information that can help with the problem at hand. These are all good things. Sometimes though they are our usual stomping ground… and perhaps we need something fresh to shake us awake to God’s presence that is always near, but we can’t feel in this harried moment. 

Here’s another idea to try, a simple meditation to wake up a different part of your mind, body, and soul:

Take just a few short minutes and stop. 

Sit and get comfortable but not too comfortable. 

Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. 

Briefly ask the Holy Spirit to sanctify your imagination. 

Then imagine a really beautiful place you’d like to be. 

Fill in some of the details, with sights, sounds, and smells. 

In your mind, place a bench there and sit in your beautiful place. 

Then, when you are ready, invite Jesus to come sit on the bench with you. 

Absorb His presence, feel His nearness.

When you are ready ask Him, “Is there anything you want to say to me?” and listen for His answer. 

Sit and absorb. 

We often think that the Lord is thinking very different things then He really is, don’t we? I just practiced this again right now, it has been awhile since I’ve done this one! His steady presence and calm felt so reassuring. When I asked Him if He had anything to say to me, He pulled me into a hug on the bench and rested his head on mine. He called me, “Sweet sister.” Then He simply said, “Isn’t this so beautiful? Beauty really does shape our souls, doesn’t it?”  I just sat with Him a few more moments and breathed in His presence and the beauty around us. It was quiet, simple, and restful. I am super glad I took just those few minutes to sit and be with Jesus. And now I want to get out and go find a lovely place to absorb His creation and see if there is anything else He wants to say. 

Want to give it a try? Go for it, and see what Jesus wants to say to you.