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

Today we are pleased to present a guest meditation by Aaron Niequist. Aaron is a liturgist, writer, and pastor who recently graduated from General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy - a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. He then curated a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called "The Practice". Aaron released a book called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-based Faith can Save us from Drowning, and continues to create resources to help others flesh it out. But that's just job stuff. The best part of his life is his wife Shauna, and their sons Henry and Mac. aaronniequist.com

Today we'll meditate on Psalm 42, a Psalm of lament. The Psalmist expresses his honest complaints to God, mingled with expressions of trust. We too are invited to come with an open and honest heart before God. As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 Often we rush into God's Presence, take a quick drink of His Living Water, then hurry off, hoping it will sustain us for the day. But What would it look like to long for God like the deer pants for water as a source of life itself? To go deeper with God, we must find time to pull away and linger in His Presence, drinking deeply of His love and grace. As you settle in to this time, resist the urge to rush. Give your mind a break from trying to plan or figure everything out. Linger awhile by the still waters. What word or words would describe your heart's condition right now? As you meditate upon this reading of Psalm 42 from the Passion Translation, let it become your prayer of longing…

Today we are pleased to present a guest meditation led by Justin McRoberts. Justin is an author, coach, songwriter, and retreat leader who just released a new book titled, "It Is What You Make of It." Justin is also the host of the podcast @ Sea with Justin McRoberts and co-founding pastor of Shelter-Vineyard Church Community in Concord, CA. He lives in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Amy, and two children and regularly travels to speak at churches and colleges, as well as leads retreats for ministry staff, college students, and young adults. Justin calls himself a "words" person, and we think you'll find his story and words are a great reminder to allow time to pay attention to our true feelings - whether it be anger, frustration, disappointment, or sadness. Only then, can we offer our whole self to God. Justin gives us permission to sit in God's Presence and admit we don't have it all together. And sometimes, it's in the simple things, like building legos with our kids, that God speaks the loudest. It's an honor to welcome Justin on the podcast today. As you listen to his story, give yourself space to slow down, and make room for your soul's feelings to be expressed to the One who is always listening with an attentive and loving ear.

Where to connect with Justin McRoberts:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJlBMsfsQ3fBItnQ9eUMfKw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinRMcRoberts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinmcroberts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmcroberts/

Website: http://justinmcroberts.com

Today we focus on God as The Author of Life. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 - So how will you use the hours and minutes of this day? What will guide your thoughts and actions? As we arrange our day to listen for God's whispers, we open ourselves up to being guided by His transforming love. Theologian, Father Thomas Merton said: "To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a gift of grace." Dear Friends, I am praying for you, that you are keenly aware of God's Presence with you this day. May you be blessed in knowing the Author and perfecter of your faith, is writing a beautiful story through you.

The Breath of God - Pentecost Welcome to our Monday Meditation series where we begin our week by focusing on the Names and attributes of God. This week we focus on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit. Today we are honored to present a special guest meditation by Olly Ryder from Plymouth England. Olly is an Anglican priest and church planter, and runs a city centre resource church with his wife, Ali. Olly shared Christian meditation has helped him slow down and tap into more stillness, silence and solitude, experiencing the undercurrent of God's Spirit beneath all the surface noise. Here are some of Olly's tips: Practicing Silence & Solitude - Alongside my normal daily devotional practices such as 5 year journaling, bible reading and extempore prayer, I now incorporate a lot more silent prayer, biblical meditation and solitude including: 1 - Timer - As part of my morning prayers I now set a timer on my phone for 5/10 or 15 minutes, open with a short prayer and then sit in silence in God's presence. When the timer finishes I have a gentle alarm to end the time - and sometimes treat myself to another session! Initially 5 minutes felt a long time, now it feels as if I'm just getting going. The Daily Still has been a great spring board in cultivating silence and tuning into God's voice and continues to be a great help. 2 - Meditation - I've been memorizing and using different set prayers and verses of scripture, particularly the Psalms, as a tool for prayer. During the night if I wake and start worrying about something I'll try and replace my worries by reciting a Psalm in my mind or even just a word or phrase such as 'the Lord is my shepherd', or 'good Shepherd', or 'Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy' or one word such as 'Peace'. 3 - Nature - I've also been finding deliberately noticing nature so helpful and soul filling. My phone camera roll is now filled with photographs of flowers and trees! I've also got some binoculars to spot birds. Often on a Saturday morning as a family we will go for a walk with some hot chocolate, cream and marshmallows and spend time in God's creation just slowing down and cutting out some of the distractions. 4 - Exercise - Exercise continues to be key in maintaining soul peace. I enjoy walking, running and wild swimming. 5 - Reading - It's been so helpful over this year in particular to read some books that fill my soul. I've been enjoying some of Eugene Peterson's books, he's got a very contemplative pace. Olly Ryder Vicar // St Matthias Plymouth stmplymouth.org.uk

This meditation focuses on Jesus as the Water of Life. You are invited to join us as we practice a few moments of surrender and settle into the awareness of God's refreshing Presence. Where do you need to be refreshed by the Living Water of Jesus? Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' - John 7:38 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. - Isaiah 44:3 ESV With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. - Isaiah 12:3 ESV And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. - Isaiah 58:12 ESV The Daily Still Meditations are written and guided by Cindy L. Helton

"The Quiet Within" is a guest meditation from author Gretchen Rodriguez. Gretchen shares an excerpt from her new book The Encounter, 40 Days of Fasting with Jesus.

Gretchen has authored several devotionals alongside Brian Simmons to accompany The Passion Translation. Her heart burns with one main message: intimacy with Jesus and discovering the reality of his presence. She and her husband invested nine years as missionaries in Puerto Rico, along with their three daughters, and now make Redding, CA, their home. For more info, visit gretchenrodriguez.com.

Today's meditation focuses on the God of Unity. Unity always looks like Jesus. It is a place of LOVE. This meditation looks at the spiritual practice of Self Examination. We pause to ask God to search our hearts and reveal the ways we have strayed from His Love and truth. We invite God to help us know ourselves in the Light of HIs Love, Closing Prayer - A Prayer for The Church: William Laud, theologian and clergyman, England, 17th Century

The Friendship of Jesus

This meditation focuses on Jesus as our Friend. Friendship is one of the most beautiful characteristics of our relationship with God. When we think of true friendship, we think of a casual, comfortable and relaxed relationship. So as you enter this time of meditation, consider it a conversation with Jesus, your most trustworthy Friend. Scripture References: John 15:13 BSB Ephesians 3:14 The Message Bible

Today's meditation focuses on 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. So find a quiet place, calm the distractions and noise around you, and settle in as you attend to the inner work of the Spirit within you. The Daily Still Meditations are written and guided by Cindy L. Helton