The Daily Still - Guided Christian Meditation, Reflection, and Devotionals

Today's meditation focuses on a medley of Psalms expressing a longing for more of God. As you join us in this practice of Christian meditation, know you're being drawn by Divine Love. So we come as a response to this Divine invitation. How do we begin? Simple with sincerity of desire. God always gives us His undivided attention. In this space, we take a few moments to give God our undivided attention. We live in a fast paced, noisy world. Slowing down and waiting on God is hard. It takes patience and practice. But slowly, we begin to see a shifting in our awareness of God. We become more attuned to the still small voice that is whispering to our spirits. As we read and meditate on The Living Word, we are hearing God! So let these words wash over you and refresh you. There will be pauses after each verse for your own contemplation. As you listen, repeat the word or phrase that resonates with your soul. Psalm 48:9, Psalm 62:1, 63:1, 62:6, Psalm 1:2-3, Psalm 105:4, Psalm 89:15, Psalm 31:19-20 Psalm 42:5, Psalm 70:4, Psalm 84:9-11 Thank you for joining us! If you enjoy The Daily Still Podcast, please subscribe and rate us. For longer meditations and music, find us on iTunes.

This meditation focuses on Psalm 23 and Psalm 63. Both Psalms are written by David, the shepherd. As you ponder these Psalms, notice the personal nature of the Psalmist's relationship to God.

Psalm 23 is known as The Shepherd's Psalm. What beautiful hope is found in the promise of God as our Shepherd and Guide, pursuing us all the days of our lives.

Psalm 63 was written while David was hiding in the wilderness of Judah, yet David proclaims joy, protection and provision is found in the Presence of God.

Whatever you may be facing, we invite you to settle in and enjoy a few moments of stillness as the Shepherd of your soul guides you to the still waters of rest. Scripture References: Psalm 23 TPT, Psalm 23:6 CSB, Psalm 63

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This is a special bonus episode and conversation on stillness with New York Times best selling author Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is a writer, poet and the author of "THIS HERE FLESH: Spirituality, Liberation and the Stories that Make Us." Cole is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a hugely popular and important Instagram space. This conversation is honest and authentic as we discuss liturgy, wonder, spiritual formation, breath prayer, and more. For more on Cole, visit http://www.colearthurriley.com @colearthurriley @blackliturgies

We are honored to offer a special guest meditation by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is the New York Times best selling author of "This Here Flesh - Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us." In today's podcast episode, Cole shares a meditative reading from the chapter of her book on Rest. We invite you to enter into a place of centering stillness, becoming aware of the Divine within. Feel the wind of the Spirit blowing, as you settle in and listen to this beautiful meditation by Cole Arthur Riley. And be sure to join us on Thursday for a bonus episode and in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series.

Cole serves as the spiritual teacher in residence with Cornell University's Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. She is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator.

For more on Cole and her work, visit www.colearthurriley.com

@colearthurriley and @blackliturgies

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 145:5-6 and God as our Redeemer. The God of the Universe stepped down from glory and became human flesh in the person of Jesus - the "Redeemer and Savior" of the world. We are in the Easter season of the Church, known as "Eastertide." As we participate in the seasons of the Church, we join with those who have gone before us in practicing sacred rhythms that are so important to our faith. These rhythms help to guide us in spiritual transformation. Each season of the Church brings to us a fresh perspective in seeking and knowing God. Psalm 145:5-6 "I remember the days of old. I meditate on all you have done. I ponder the work of your hands."

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 96, Declaring the Glory of God, as we reflect upon the resurrection of Christ and make space for joy and celebration. We are in the Easter season of the Church called Eastertide, a period of 50 days of celebration that spans from Easter to Pentecost, proclaiming Christ's victory over death. Christ is risen! Our Savior lives. And the Kingdom of Heaven is now! This is the Church's great season of joy!

Psalm 96 gives testimony that the whole world and everything in it responds to the power of God to turn death into life! The risen Christ is everywhere…in the renewal of spring and all of creation, and in us! As you meditate upon this Psalm, you are invited to be fully present, engaging all of your senses in worship of the Risen Savior. Scripture: Psalm 96 NLT, Psalm 134 NIV Quote: With HIs last breath before death, Jesus says that the best place for His life is in the hands of God, Everything is only finished when everything is entrusted into God's hands. -Ann Voskamp

The Hope of The World - Resurrection Sunday "He is risen! He is risen indeed!" The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6 On Easter Sunday, all sorrow of holy week is turned to joy and praise. Holy Week reveals contrasts: the crucifixion and the resurrection, death and life, sin and salvation, sorrow and hope. Pause for a few moments and breathe in this holy exchange…. Breath in salvation/Exhale sin Breathe in freedom/Exhale bondage Breathe in hope/Exhale sorrow Breathe in faith/Exhale doubt Breathe in LIFE --------------- Thank you for joining us on this Holy Week journey. We hope your spirit has been encouraged and filled with renewed hope. If you have enjoyed our podcast, please subscribe and rate us. And if you know someone who would benefit from listening, please share it with a friend.

THE WORLD WAITS - HOLY SATURDAY "Wait on the mercy of your Lord Jesus Christ." - Jude 21 On this day, the Lord Jesus Christ lays in the tomb after his death on the cross. But God is always at work behind the scenes and beyond what we can see or imagine. And so we wait in hope of the glorious resurrection. What are you waiting for in your life and hoping to be true? "I wait quietly before God…for my victory comes from him." - Psalm 62:1 NLT If Jesus did not give up on us and abandon us before going to the cross, He will certainly not abandon us now. God will never leave you or forsake you, even in the silence. For He has said, "I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!" Hebrews 13:5 - The Amplified Bible Faith looks up in hope to the God who keeps His promises. Be with us now Lord, in the waiting.

Today we look at the cross and remember the price Jesus paid, as He took our sin upon Himself. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV As Jesus continued his journey through passion week, His throne would be a cross, and his crown would be made of thorns. Jesus could have chosen to stop the journey before the cross, but He didn't. "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT Romans 5:8 "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

HOLY THURSDAY – THE LAST SUPPER The Last Supper, shared by Jesus and His disciples, is commemorated on this Holy Thursday. This meal was rich in symbolic meaning. We are all invited to come together as one family, to the table of our Lord. Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" This night would end with Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would ultimately be betrayed, arrested, and deserted by his disciples. You are invited to remain with Jesus in the garden of prayer where He prayed to the Father – "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." - Matthew 26:42