April 25
At once I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne! And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald. Revelation 4:2-3
Some years ago, the book “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson, M.D. was suggested to me by a physician in an effort to help me learn to reduce my stress and center myself through meditation. Never could I have imagined the significant impact it would have on my life! Through Dr. Benson’s exercises, I learned how to meditate using God as my mantra – my soul prayer (yes, not sole) - to the point where I not only felt centered, but experienced a profound, deep state of feeling God’s presence – at being one with Him. I discovered it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes in total, but the clarity of thinking, the awareness of the relevance of life and its direction, the unity with all God’s creation, the sense of well-being and state of relaxation that floods the body and spirit is indescribable. It is a practice I maintain today, albeit not as frequently as I would prefer. Although many other such books by a myriad of authors have come and gone, and surely there are more prayerful books written, I think this book is a wonderful first step on the journey of meditation, especially if one is interested in understanding the measurable, physiologic changes that occur as the result of meditating on a regular basis. For me, it was more than that though; the spiritual aspect was the greater of the gifts meditation provides; the joy and light that fills from within the soul is beyond description! The physical improvements such as decreased breathing and blood pressure, and reduced pulse rate for example, are the ancillary bonus!
With a little discipline and time, any one of us can learn to meditate during our prayer time. The awareness of the gifts of the Spirit that our Heavenly Father has waiting for us to take part in during so, is immeasurable. God will bring His peace upon us and we can rest in Him. Our vision of the direction of our lives will be enlightened and the answers to questions we have will become clear. The depth of love awaiting us is unimaginable! We can witness a glimpse of the multicolored, jewel-like sparkle of His immense glory! He is waiting to fill us to overflowing. All we have to do is take the time.
Heavenly Father! Abba Father! Guide us in our efforts to become closer to you and help rest in your Holy Spirit today!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
At once I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne! And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald. Revelation 4:2-3
Some years ago, the book “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson, M.D. was suggested to me by a physician in an effort to help me learn to reduce my stress and center myself through meditation. Never could I have imagined the significant impact it would have on my life! Through Dr. Benson’s exercises, I learned how to meditate using God as my mantra – my soul prayer (yes, not sole) - to the point where I not only felt centered, but experienced a profound, deep state of feeling God’s presence – at being one with Him. I discovered it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes in total, but the clarity of thinking, the awareness of the relevance of life and its direction, the unity with all God’s creation, the sense of well-being and state of relaxation that floods the body and spirit is indescribable. It is a practice I maintain today, albeit not as frequently as I would prefer. Although many other such books by a myriad of authors have come and gone, and surely there are more prayerful books written, I think this book is a wonderful first step on the journey of meditation, especially if one is interested in understanding the measurable, physiologic changes that occur as the result of meditating on a regular basis. For me, it was more than that though; the spiritual aspect was the greater of the gifts meditation provides; the joy and light that fills from within the soul is beyond description! The physical improvements such as decreased breathing and blood pressure, and reduced pulse rate for example, are the ancillary bonus!
With a little discipline and time, any one of us can learn to meditate during our prayer time. The awareness of the gifts of the Spirit that our Heavenly Father has waiting for us to take part in during so, is immeasurable. God will bring His peace upon us and we can rest in Him. Our vision of the direction of our lives will be enlightened and the answers to questions we have will become clear. The depth of love awaiting us is unimaginable! We can witness a glimpse of the multicolored, jewel-like sparkle of His immense glory! He is waiting to fill us to overflowing. All we have to do is take the time.
Heavenly Father! Abba Father! Guide us in our efforts to become closer to you and help rest in your Holy Spirit today!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson