Today, as we complete Season 7 of The Daily Still Podcast, we offer you space to ponder and rediscover Christ's presence in your life as we reflect upon our continuing journey of faith.

In Luke 24 we read the story of two disciples walking along the road together discussing Jesus' death and questioning what they believed. Then a divine encounter occurs. Jesus appears and begins walking with them, but they don't know who he is. In this story, we are reminded that Jesus walks with us in our doubts too.

If Jesus was to join you on the road, what questions would you have for Him?

We invite you to find a quiet place, as you imagine walking down the street with Jesus, discussing your faith and questions.

"Didn't our hearts burn within us as he walked with us on the road?" Luke 24:32 NLT

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life." Isaiah 55:3 NLT

May you walk through each day with your eyes and ears wide open to Divine encounters on your journey.

In the Church calendar, the time from the Monday after Pentecost until the first Sunday of Advent is called ordinary time. We can look at this season as a time of living out our faith in the ordinary or routine moments of life.

Today we look at a familiar story in Mark 16 where three women are going to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. An angel greets them saying, "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He isn't here. He is risen from the dead! Now go and tell his disciples… including Peter." The special mention of "Peter" by name is so important. In the ordinary days that followed, perhaps the disciples doubted that Peter, or any of them, could still be called disciples after denying and doubting Jesus.

In living out our faith in ordinary and routine days, we will face doubt. But there's this beautiful invitation inviting us back into relationship with the One who pursues us on our pathway of faith.

Creating intentional space to quiet our souls prepares an environment that is imperative for a healthy inner life, as well as our external lives. Stillness births transformation, a process that cannot be rushed. Change takes place slowly as we surrender to our Maker's loving Grace. SCRIPTURES Psalm 131:2 ESV Psalm 46:10 CEV John 14:8 NIV Psalm 119:114,119 The MSG Acts 17:27-28 NIV Romans 8:26-28 MSG

We are honored to offer a special encore 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 check out my in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series. (Episode dated May 12, 2022)

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 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!

"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.