This week, Upper Room Daily Reflections features excerpts from One Breath at a Time by J. Dana Trent.
Today’s Reflection
MEDITATION, I learned, is often wordless prayer. This intentional and quiet practice helps us focus our attention on God—and listen for God’s “still small voice”—so that we may experience God’s revelations. In contrast with prayer, meditation uses fewer words (or none) so that our spiritual and mental effort is concentrated on soothing the mind’s chaos to hear what God has to say.
—J. Dana Trent
One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation
From page 14 of One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation by J. Dana Trent. Copyright © 2018 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Have you been still to listen to God’s voice today? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Be still, and know that I am God!
—Psalm 46:10, NRSV
This Week: Give thanks to God for giving you the breath of life. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
Practice seeing blessings all around you! Upper Room Books author Beth A. Richardson invites us to practice the Celtic way of seeing God in everyday life. Receive 20% off of the eCourse Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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13 Comments
Yes, my morning time begins with stillness, quietness, focus. “Soothing the mind’s chaos” – I can relate to this. For me, it has become so much about quicker recognition and then intentional stilling and re-focusing. Even in the quietness and newness of the day, a degree of intentionality is needed.
And, yes, our thoughts do run to those whose absences are noticeable. Prayers for Connie and her family; Marcy, Lucy and Mary. Father – I ask that You would make Your presence and comfort known to them, that they would have an awareness of Your mercy. And, thank You for those who share, imparting Your grace by their wisdom, prayers and encouragement.
This is a needed skill, lots of practice required.
Thankful for an overall good day, a couple of bumps in the road, but trhey didn’t upset the apple cart. Wonderful weather to drive even if ot was very cold (-11) when I got on the road.
It has seemingly taken an eternity, but the condo closing is coming soon. There are positives and negatives, but the overall big picture is good. Income will; be produced; taxes, HOA,and maintenance gone.
Paperwork improving my credit also came.
Not sure how Arnolds made out yesterday with heart surgery. Praying for God’s will to be done
Prayers for Jill’s Mom and Dad, Marcy and Mary, Julie and Megan and all with medical concerns. Those who haven’t received a paycheck and are shut out from work are on my mind as well as those at the southern border trying to find asylum. I pray there is wisdom and the countries with crises get the help they need and their citizens can be happy in their native land. I’m not against asylum, but that is a lesser solution to the problem.
Will be able to go to the gym today, fellow heart maintenance participants have reached out to me. That is a positive and ver much appreciated action on their part. Thank You, Lord.
Lord, help me meditate
Glad to read of Gloria’s change of heart and possible attendance at the cancer support group, prayers for Connie and her husband, Andrea, Lowell, Andrea’s daughter, grabdson, and son-in-law. Yes< most certainly hope for healthy baby and Kelsey'delivery. Safe travels there.
Always thankful for newcomers, the UR is a very special place. Having you here is a great blessing to all concerned. That our hearts, minds, and spirits can be feely expressed without repercussion is a blessing.
Waiting for the word that Erich can go to work. It's not the job he wants to do the rest of his life, but it will be helpful in the short term. Good jobs that match your education are very hard to find here.
Some what warmer weather here today, not below zero, but still below freezing. Have had trouble with water pipes and possibly the pump. Thankful for reserve water and that we have heat.
I also try to begin my morning time in silence and intentional prayer before the thoughts of the day seep in. Slowing my breathing and starting with a short repetitive prayer also helps.
Julie, prayers for you and Megan. Your prayers for all who visit here are neede and appreciated.
Andrea, glad to hear your PT continues to go well. Praying for healing.
Mary, praying for you and your parents.
Jill, prayers for Gloria with hope she attends the support group with you.
Robert, happy to hear the condo will soon close and to your health.
All our UR family, enjoy this day that the Lord as made!
Thank you to all for the heartfelt prayers as we await the new baby. Why is it so hard to be patient? I pray for patience and calm nerves for the new parents.
Congratulations to Betsy for the arrival of her grandson. May Harrison bring much joy to the family!
Yes, be still to listen to God’s voice. What does He want us to do?
Grateful for time to give feedback to a friend who created an app for her course she is taking.
Grateful for the joy of buying pyjamas for my mum which she likes very much.
Grateful for all your prayers.
Blessings to all!
Every time I red about this type of spiritual practice I recognize how valuable it would be for me. I have to renew my commitment to this and follow through.
Prayers for Jill and her family and Gloria’s possible change of heart.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may Rrich be successful in this job. Thankful for impending sale and improved finances.
Prayers for Betsy and her family as all wait, may the birth go well.
Prayers for Mary and her willingness to help others at all times.
Prayers for those we miss, Connie and Marcy, may they be well.
Prayers for Andrea and thanksgiving for PT being so helpful.
Prayers for Lou and her children, may her youngest do well on her tests.
Thankful again and again for your prayers, we need them.
Prayers and blessings dear UR family, all who visit and read only also
I am here and I am well. Thank you for thinking of me. So happy that Betsy has a new grandson and all is well.
I listen to God’s voice every day and I talk to Him. Sometimes He is the only one listening except my friends here. Oh, how I treasure you!
Thankful for:
Snow removal that went well.
Happy that I don’t need to travel on the roads today.
Have a good week everyone.
Happy to hear from you- glad you are well and don’t have to venture out- it is a gloomy day but the Spirit is bright.
Illinois is a challenge! Stay warm. Hope all is going great for you and yours.
I am grateful for the many comments today, and grateful to see Connie’s comment among them. It is always good to see many UR friends commenting. Missing Marcy.
I will re-commit to meditation and strive to start my day meditating. I do need it.
Please pray for my friend Jane, who is undergoing another round of chemo for ovarian cancer. Her immune system is very suppressed.
With prayers for dear UR friends and those for whom you pray. Wishing all a blessed day.
Prayers for you all continued–indeed, meditation and being still is a practice. Today, I was very restless, so I had to remind myself: progress, not perfection. I am slowly learning.
Beings still with you,
dana
Prayers for you all continued–indeed, meditation and being still is a practice. Today, I was very restless, so I had to remind myself: progress, not perfection. I am slowly learning.
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