Jun 27, 2021

346 Become Like a Little Child, A Guided Christian Meditation on Matthew 18:1-5 with the Recenter With Christ app

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina:

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:

Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Bible verses for Meditation:

Matthew 18:1-5

NABRE
1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,
3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

KJV
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Meditation on Scripture:

This week I have been spending time with some family members with very small children and babies. Since my children are teens now, it reminded me of the unmitigated joy children can share into our lives. This got me thinking about this teaching of Jesus. There is some much wisdom in what Jesus said, yet also much more is learned as we reflect on it deeper.

Childhood is a unique state that each person is a child at one point although it is drastically different. This experience, however, varies widely between us. This leaves us with the question of what we need to do. What is it about Childhood that Jesus spoke about? In what ways are we meant to emulate children? What similarities do you have with children? What makes you different from a child?

In many ways maturity is positive. We gain the ability to think more abstractly and have more power to work for the good of others. We have the ability to learn how to soothe ourselves when we experience negative emotion. But we also learn deceit and selfishness. We learn to be more close minded and determined in our own ways. Perhaps one thing to note is that Jesus asks us to be child-like, not child-ish. It can be helpful to note the ways in which Jesus was child-like. Jesus has the perfect balance of Childlike innocence and maturity. Ponder for a moment in what way you can become more child like as Jesus is asking for here.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:
This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Updates:

Final Question: In what ways do you struggle with seeing people as objects at times?

Final Thought: God’s plan was meant to try us and to push us to rely on Him.

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