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

Jesus Anointed and Betrayed - Holy Wednesday Meditation Matthew 26:6-13 NIV – (Jesus Anointed at Bethany) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." This extravagant act symbolized Jesus was Christ, a title meaning "anointed one." Anointing the head of Jesus was symbolic of anointing a King. God sees the desire and motives of our hearts. And every act of love, faith, sacrifice and obedience is recognized and remembered by our Creator. Also on this day, the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, and Judas agrees to betray Him. "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." Matthew 26:14-16 Jesus was betrayed by a friend in his inner circle. We have all felt the sting of betrayal. And we have all stumbled, wandered and betrayed our Lord in one way or another. In this space, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart…

"I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one can come to the father except through me." - John 14:6 NIV On Holy Tuesday, the religious leaders tried to discredit Jesus' power and ultimate authority. But Jesus clearly states his deity and authority in John 14:6. He is the way, the truth and the life. He died so that we can have personal access to the Father. Jesus invites us to trust in Him. Silence and solitude is a place of resting and trusting in God. We invite you to pause for a few moments of silent reflection. "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path." - Psalm 37:7&24

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus tells his disciples – "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." - Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus suffered so all people, his entire creation, could be set free. Lift up your prayers, in faith, for yourself, your family, your community and the world. "Save me, O God. I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them." - Psalm 69 As you walk with Jesus on his way to the cross, ask Him to help you see His great love and mercy for you more clearly.

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. "Faith is the gaze of a soul…upon a saving God." - A.W. Tozer "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It's remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures.

This meditation focuses on Psalm 3 and trusting God for protection and peace during times of adversity. Psalm 3 reminds us that God's Presence is a protective shield around us. The practice of stillness allows us to sit in the mystery of the holy and healing Presence of God. So find a quiet space and settle in for a few moments of stillness. "But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head. I have cried out to you, Yahweh, from your holy presence. You send me a Father's help. Selah." Psalm 3:3-4 TPT

In thoughtful regard of the current crisis in Ukraine, today's meditation holds space to pray and contend together on behalf of Ukraine and all the nations of the world. Psalm 108 is an example of a prayer for God's help, that begins first with the Psalmist declaring praise and confident trust in God. As we ponder the Psalms, consider - they not only express the heart of the writer, but the heart of the Holy Spirit who inspires these writings. Meditation written and guided by: Cindy L. Helton Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 108 TPT - A Prayer for God's Help. The Closing Prayer is from Father Richard Rohr, The Center for Action and Contemplation.

Host Cindy Helton guides you through a meditation on Psalm 34. This Psalm reminds us to seek God in all of our circumstances, to trust Him and give Him glory. So find a quiet space and tune out the noise around you and within you, as you quiet your soul and breathe in God's Presence. Bible Translation, Psalm 34 - The Message by Eugene H. Peterson

This week's meditation focuses on Psalm 51 - A Psalm of Confession. The Psalms express every emotion felt by humans and not only teach us how to pray, but invite us to bring our honest and unedited feelings before our loving and merciful Creator. Today we make space to examine and express the condition of our souls, as we rest in the healing Presence of the Lord. "We have to fashion our own desert where we can withdraw ever day, shake off our compulsions and dwell in the gentle healing presence of the Lord. Without such a desert we will lose our own soul." Henri Nouwen - The Way of the Heart. So find a quiet place where you can pull away from the noise and distractions around you.

This meditation focuses on Psalm 27 - living in the Presence of God. As you ponder these scriptures, consider the desires and longings of your soul. "The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." Psalm 27:4 The Architect of all creation is inviting you to take up residence in the Cathedral of His Loving Presence. Scripture reference taken from Psalms 27 NLT. Follow us @thedailystill. Meditation written by Cindy L. Helton.

Today we are pleased to offer a bonus podcast and in-depth conversation with with host Cindy Helton and Rick Hamlin on the practice of silence. Rick is a long-time editor of Guidepost Magazine, and a frequent contributor to their publications. His new book - Even Silence is Praise - Quiet Your Mind and Awaken Your Soul with Christian Meditation unpacks the power of Christian meditation and the basic human need to find peace beyond all the chatter. Rick lives in New York City, and he shares how prayer and meditation can be a natural part of everyday life, regardless of the noise around us. And he invites us to join him on a journey to quiet the mind. Connect with Rick Hamlin on social media @Rick_Hamlin @Evensilenceispraise. Connect with host Cindy Helton @thedailystill @cindylhelton