Hi, welcome to Hope Mindfulness and Prayer. We're so excited you decided to join us. Words like mindfulness or meditation can be a little strange and intimidating at first, but that's OK. We totally understand that feeling. When learning how to meditate, it's best to find a nice, quiet place. Eventually this won't be necessary, but right now it may make learning a little bit
easier. We also encourage you to anchor this practice to some other activity you do every day, like brushing your teeth or showering. You can make a mental note to yourself, I need to meditate before I brush my teeth. Over the next 12 days, we'll teach you how to quiet the noise in your mind and experience God's love each day. We'll begin with a lesson to
help you set an intention. Once you are present and open, we'll follow that with the Bible verse, repeating it twice, allowing the words to sink in. Following the verse, we'll continue the meditation. We'll close with the verse again and guide you out of the meditation. We'll let you know when the meditation is over, so just sit back and relax. All of our meditations are around 10 minutes long, so make sure you have enough time in your schedule. Just like anything new, you
won't be perfect at first. The most important thing is to keep meditating. Be easy with yourself. There's no set destination. The practice will grow and change as you do. OK, let's go ahead and get started by getting comfortable in your chair. And when you're ready, take a few nice deep breaths and allow your eyes to slowly close. As you slow your breath, I want you to consider that life is like an oak tree. With each passing day you grow and change.
With each passing season you adapt to the weather never staying the same. The one thing that is needed to withstand these changes is healthy roots. Your life will change, but as long as your roots are strong, you can survive any season. Just like water for your roots, connecting with God is water for your soul. Your roots will grow stronger and deeper. They become strong enough to withstand any storm. As your body begins to settle, take a moment to consider this
verse. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers. And again, that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers. Now gently bring your awareness to the breath. Allow your breath to deepen and fill the lungs. Big deep breath in and then taking twice as long on the
exhale. Let the inhale come easily and effortlessly, and then exhale, controlling the breath. Allow yourself to be here in this moment. This is all that matters right now. Whenever you need to let go of let it go, release it to God. Today is a new day with new opportunities. Allow your breath to renew your spirit and connect you to your Creator who loves you. Deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Remember, this is a place of
love. Let this practice be whatever you need it to be. God's calming presence is always accessible to you. Let your awareness rest in the loving presence of God. With a gentle curiosity, begin to notice the breath. Make the breath deep and full of life. Allow that fresh air to fill up the lungs and then relax the body as you exhale. Let your body become heavy as your mind continues to relax. You are exactly where you need to be. And now come to the heartbeat. Maybe even listen for its
rhythm. Just relaxing and releasing. If the thoughts take you away, that's OK. When it's easy, bring your awareness back to the heartbeat. Just listen to your heartbeat and the gentle sound of your breath. Let your breath act as an anchor to this moment and this practice. With each breath, allow yourself to rest further into the calm of God's love. Take this verse with you.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers. Gently bring your awareness back to the body and when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes and take a nice deep breath. Sit back and relax for a moment. How do you feel? I hope you feel a little better. We'll see you next time with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.