Guided Meditation

Meditation 1: Unceasing Prayer

Begin by finding a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray without ceasing." Which is the theme of the Retreat, and it aligns with a life of constant repentance & communion with God.

Step 1: Understanding 'Pray Without Ceasing'

• Begin by considering what it means to pray without stopping. Does it mean to always be in a state of formal prayer, or could it also include an ongoing, inner conversation with God throughout your day?

Step 2: The Jesus Prayer

• Use the Jesus Prayer as your anchor. As mentioned in your document, this prayer is a form of constant remembrance of God's presence.

• Repeat the Jesus Prayer, "O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner," throughout your day.

Step 3: Structured Meditation

• Set aside 15 minutes of undisturbed time to repeat the Jesus Prayer. Do this with intention and focus on the meaning of each word.

• Acknowledge distractions as they arise and gently return your focus to the prayer. Record any persistent distractions in a journal to reflect on later.

Step 4: Personalize Your Prayer

• The Jesus prayer is a great tool in shaping your personal prayers. In continuous efforts to spend intimate time with our Savior, you can pour all your worries, anxiety, stress, requests, and distractions into prayer. Utilize the format of the Jesus prayer to incorporate your own personal prayers as such:

  • O my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, please give me your Grace to spend this quality time with you.

  • O my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I surrender my life to you, grant me a spirit of submission and obedience.

  • O my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, please be with ___________ , help them, guide them, and reveal yourself to them.

  • O my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I am struggling with __________ , please help me, save me, give me Your Grace, and deliver me from this struggle.

  • O my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I am upset with ________ , grant me wisdom that I may resolve this issue.

Meditation 2: The Lord is my Refuge.

Begin by finding a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions.

Read Psalm 46 slowly. Embrace each word and let the assurance of God's presence sink in.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just [at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Reflection on Psalm 46: As you reflect on the words, consider the assurance of God's protection and strength.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

Pause and meditate on the idea of God as your refuge and strength, finding solace and security in His presence.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10

Acknowledge the greatness of God. Surrender any anxieties or worries, trusting in His sovereignty overall.

Guidance from the Church Fathers: Integrate the wisdom of the Church Fathers into your meditation. Recall the words of St. Augustine, who said:

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you."

Reflect on this truth as you seek refuge in God. Let go of any restlessness or striving, and simply dwell in His presence, finding true rest for your soul.

Also consider the words of St Irenaeus:

“For the glory of God is a living human being; and the life of the human consists in beholding God.” (Against Heresies 4.20.7)

Practical Exercise

• Find a focus verse from Psalm 46. For instance, "God is our refuge and strength."

• Throughout your day, use this verse as a focal point for prayer. Allow it to bring you peace and remind you of God's unwavering presence in your life.

Meditation 3: Living Before God Our Father

Begin by finding a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions.

Meditation (10 minutes): 

1.    Considering my average week, what consumes the majority of my thoughts? Outside of work, what consumes the majority of my physical time and energy? 

2.    Reflecting on the happiest moments during my average week, what is consistent between all of those moments? What is consistent between all of the moments where I lose my peace?  

3.    What upsets me the most? What is most important to me? In whom or in what do I truly put my faith and hope? 

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 1:13-25

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is Holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am Holy.”

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Reflection Questions

1. How can I practically apply verses 13 & 14 in my life? 

2. What would my life look like if I were to live the verse “Be holy, for I am Holy”? 

3. Since I was redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, then how might I honor God’s sacrifice for me?  

4. Changing a life occurs in the every-day small decisions & choices. How might I overcome the world in my every-day small decisions & choices?