It is good to see you and gather in this place to be reminded that we are cared for and loved far beyond our imagining.
Today I'll be leading us through a slightly different breath practice.
The focus of our morning this morning is hearing God's voice in our lives reminding us that you are safe.
You are safe.
So what I'll be doing today is guiding us through breath practice in Lectio Divina style with Psalm 23,
A familiar Psalm that reminds us just how grounded we are in the security of God.
As you're comfortable,
Rest into the seat you're in.
If you're comfortable closing your eyes,
Please do so.
If not,
That's just fine.
Do what's available to you.
Rest your eyes on me or on the pew in front of you,
Whatever is most comfortable.
And begin to breathe.
Finding your breath,
Trace your breath.
If a sound occurs outside,
Even if my voice is a distraction,
Return to your breath.
If a feeling arises,
Allow that feeling to come.
You don't have to create anything around that feeling,
A narrative,
A playlet,
Or worse yet,
A judgment or a criticism.
Allow that feeling.
Welcome that feeling with curiosity and compassion.
And let it too.
Watch your breath.
If a thought arises,
It's okay.
Don't have to create anything around the thought.
You don't need to make any lists.
It's something that you remembered from days before or just moments ago.
That's just fine.
It's going to come back to you.
Somehow it came to you right now.
It'll return.
You don't have to create a playlet or a narrative.
Element with compassionate curiosity and let it allow,
Let it watch your breath.
Throughout our practice this morning,
You will be invited to return to your breath.
The whole notion of our time together today is to connect to God's presence.
You are safe.
You are safe.
Seeing your breath practice,
Let me give a few words.
We'll be practicing a modified Lectio Divina style.
That is hearing God's divine voice in the words I share.
Hearing once again,
You are safe while being guided by the 23rd song.
If a word or phrase comes into your mind and you begin to explore it,
Explore it.
It's there for you to reflect upon.
We're not memorizing.
We're not putting anything into action.
We're allowing God to speak as we're contemplating,
Sharing time with God.
The Lord is my shepherd.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
He's my shepherd.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley.
I fear no evil.
You are with me.
Your rod and your staff,
They comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup overflows.
Surely,
Goodnessbook isNames.
Tank.
Goodness and mercy shall follow me.
All the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
From green pastures to still waters to the darkest valley.
You are safe.
From the green pastures to the still waters in the darkest valley.
You are safe.
I invite you to take three cleansing breaths.
And unite your voice or sentiment or silence as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us to pray.
Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
Go from this place encouraged and knowing that God is with you in God's tender and abiding care.
Amen.
