Mar 11, 2018
042 - The Testing of Your Faith Produces Endurance - A Guided
Christian Meditation Podcast
James 1:2-4
I work as a Hospice Chaplain and having worked as an ICU
chaplain in a busy hospital, my purpose in making this podcast is
to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open to be
changed by the Spirit of God by using a centuries old form of
Christian Meditation called Lectio Divina. It consists of:
Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation,
Visualization
Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:
Consider for a moment all the work your body had done this week.
What stresses have your born? What has your body done without being
asked: breathing, heart beating, blood pumping, sitting, walking,
moving, working, feeling. Your body replicated cells and fought
infection. What a blessing it is that we have such a body.
A low it to breath now. Allow a feeling a gratitude build for God
about all that your body can do. With each breath you realize more
the greatness of God's creation that is your body. Despite the
aspects of our mortal frame that cause us suffering and sin there
are also amazing aspects that glorify the God who created it.
Breath slowly and allow this moment to be a time apart. Breath ever
so softly but fully as you feel your mind show and your body rest.
You feel relaxation building in your body and you feel grateful for
it. Allow your mind to clear as you prepare to receive God's word.
We will be reading from James 1:2-4
Bible verse for meditation:
NRSV
2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind,
consider it nothing but joy,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces
endurance;
4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature
and complete, lacking in nothing
KJV
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing
Notice the similarities and differences in the translations presented.
What does this scripture mean to you?
Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times
past?
How does this scripture make you feel?
Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning.
Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation:
Our human weakness can be distressing. As we learn about our fallen
nature it can be discouraging at times. We realize how we sin so
easily, Ann's at times are slow to recognize God's hand in our
lives. Wee feel trials and temptations as further evidence of our
worth. This scripture is profound. Paul teaches that temptations or
trials can be a source of joy. The range of these translations is
useful. What is the difference between a trial and a temptation.
Are they different? It could be argued the greatest trial is our
own sin that results from our temptation. Yet even this can bring
joy. How?
It certainly Glorifies God when we have our sins washed away and
are left redeemed. Paul teaches that there is a benefit to our
character. God continually works to teach his children.
Unfortunately trials teach us profound lessons. They teach us
patience that is said to lead to our improvement. The Glory of
God’s mercy can yield patience in our hearts.
Meditation of Prayer:
Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Pray now with an attitude of patience.
Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own
faults and trials.
Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:
This part is very important. It is no accident that scripture is so
full of narratives. Our minds connect with narratives. Imagine a
visualization of a Narrative of your life knowing the truths from
this scripture.
Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message.
Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this
scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with
them.
Conclusion:
Homework: what trials have you noticed bring blessings?
Continuation of James 1 next week.
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