Meditation 1
Our Father who is in heaven,
Matthew 6:9 NIV
Reflection
"Abba" (Father) is the term a child would lovingly call their father. Jesus shares with us that before God ever created, before he ever ruled the world, before anything else, he was a Father loving his Son. We are also his children and can pray, 'Our Father', with confidence and assurance of his love.
Invitation
Take some time to breathe deeply and sit in the presence of your and our loving Father.
Meditation 2
hallowed be your name.
Matthew 6:9 NIV
Reflection
Hallow = praise, acknowledging through reverence and respect. One of the ways we can enter into prayer is to 'pray back' the names of God to name how he has revealed his character to us.
Invitation
Choose a name Jesus used to describe himself. Which one stands out to you? Breathe in, repeating this name. Breathe out a prayer of thanks for how Jesus has met you through this name.
Alpha & Omega • Bread of Life • Comforter • Friend • Life • Light • Living Water • Love
Meditation 3
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 NIV
Reflection
God is always at work, redeeming the world to Himself. He shares his rule with those who bear his image and are ready for his mission. He has designed a world in which our human will can work in partnership with His will. Our choices really do make a difference!
Invitation
Ask God, "Where are you at work in my life, my family, my community, my world and how can I get in on it?"
Meditation 4
Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11 NIV
Reflection
God wants you to ask for your needs as a way of building trust in Him. He will meet you right where you are. He is merciful, kind, compassionate and full of truth.
Invitation
With your eyes open, focus on the most beautiful things you see around you. The same good God who created this beauty, created you and cares about your daily physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
What do you need right now? Ask!
Meditation 5
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12 NIV
Reflection
To ask for forgiveness, we must first admit that we need it. To receive it, we only have to ask and then pass it on. Forgiving others is a clear demonstration of how we understand and experience God's forgiveness. Think of forgiveness as a solo act you can do on your own. Reconciliation is a duet; it takes two people who are willing to hear, forgive and heal.
Invitation
Clench your fist as you name your need for forgiveness, then relax your hand as you receive God's loving forgiveness and freedom.
Meditation 6
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil.
Matthew 6:13 NIV
Reflection
There is an active opposition to living in God's kingdom here and now. Life is full of trials of many kinds. Some evil is done to us, some we actively participate in. We want to pray for God's power and protection for ourselves and others, agreeing with God that we choose his way over evil. We pray this confidently knowing Jesus has met the powers and won decisively. Release your fears to Him.
Invitation
Inhale from your diaphragm for 4 seconds. Hold for 7 seconds. Exhale for 8 seconds.
Pray this as you breathe in: "Whenever I am afraid,"
Pray this as you breathe out: "I will trust in you Lord."
Try this exercise three times and relax in the power of God's loving presence.
