Welcome to this guided meditation, drawing inspiration from John 2:13-22. Let us take a moment to center ourselves and open our hearts to the message within these sacred words:

13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, with the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.*

In this passage, we find Jesus, witnessing the chaos and commercialism that had overtaken the sacred space, in the temple courts. He is filled with righteous indignation and takes decisive action by driving out the merchants and overturning the tables.

The word "destroy" is significant in this passage. Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." His words are misunderstood by those around him, but they foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice he would make on the cross and the resurrection that would follow.

As we meditate on the word "destroy," let us consider the things in our own lives that may need to be cleansed or overturned in order to make room for the presence of God.

What are the distractions or obstacles that prevent you from experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace? Is it the busyness and noise of everyday life? Is it the pursuit of wealth, power, or success? Is it the burdens of past mistakes or regrets?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions in the stillness of this sacred space. Allow yourself to acknowledge any areas of your life that feel cluttered or chaotic, and invite the presence of Jesus to enter in and bring clarity and peace.

As you breathe deeply and center yourself in the presence of God, imagine Jesus standing before you, offering his hand to help you cleanse the temple of your heart.
With each breath, feel the weight of those burdens being lifted from your shoulders. Allow yourself to release any attachments or distractions that hinder your relationship with God.

As we conclude this meditation, may we be reminded of Jesus' call to cleanse the temple of our hearts and to make space for God's love to dwell within us. May we surrender our burdens and distractions, and trust in the power of resurrection and new life.

* New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 

Welcome to this guided meditation, inspired by Mark 8:31-38. Let us take a moment to center ourselves and prepare our hearts and minds for this sacred journey. As we begin, find a comfortable position. Take a deep breath in, allowing your lungs to fill with air, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension or worries from your body.

Focus your attention on the scripture:
31 Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34 He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”*
 
The word "deny" can evoke various emotions and interpretations. In the context of our meditation today, let us reflect on what it means to deny ourselves in order to follow Christ more closely. Denying ourselves does not mean denying our worth or value as beloved children of God. Denying ourselves means refraining from satisfying selfish desires, when those desires only serve ourselves. We give in to things that don’t satisfy our hungers. We try to rely on ourselves to satisfy our hungers.

Following Jesus is a life of service to God and others. Denying ourselves invites us to let go of our selfish desires, our ego-driven ambitions, and our attachments to worldly possessions in order to focus on living a life of service.
 
Take a moment to consider what you may need to let go of in order to fully embrace the way of Jesus. Is it a habit that no longer serves you? Is it a grudge or resentment that weighs heavily on your heart? Is it the pursuit of material wealth or status?
 
As you reflect on these questions, remember that Jesus invites us into a life of freedom and abundance, not scarcity and deprivation. When we deny ourselves, we make room for God's grace to flow more freely in our lives. Let us take a moment now to silently offer our intentions to God, surrendering whatever it is that we need to release in order to follow Christ more fully.

With each breath, imagine yourself letting go of anything that hinders your journey of faith. Feel the weight lifting from your shoulders as you surrender to God's dream for your life. As we conclude this meditation, may we carry the wisdom of Jesus' words with us, seeking to deny ourselves daily and follow him with courage and humility. Grace and Peace be with you on your journey of faith.
 
* New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 

This guided meditation will explore the word “tempted” inspired by Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.
Take a moment to find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down, whichever allows you to feel relaxed yet alert. Begin to deepen your breath, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling softly through your mouth.
 
As we center ourselves, let us reflect on the scripture from Mark 1:9-15
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tested by Satan, and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”*
 
Let us focus our attention on the word "tempted." This translation doesn’t use the word “tempted.” It uses the word “tested.” I don’t really feel that God tests us. I think we are all tempted to allow obstacles to interfere with our walk with Christ. Temptation is something we all face in our lives, the allure of desires that may lead us away from our true path. As we journey through this meditation, consider the ways in which you have been tempted, and how you have responded.

​Imagine yourself in the wilderness, just as Jesus was. Visualize the vast expanse of desert around you, the sun beating down, and the stillness of the air. Feel the sand beneath your feet and maybe even stray grains of sand on your lips, as the breeze blows onto you. Maybe you feel the grittiness on your tongue and teeth. Feel the warmth of the sunlight on your skin.

As you walk through the wilderness, notice any thoughts or emotions that arise within you. Are there desires or cravings pulling at your heart? Take a moment to acknowledge them without judgment.

Now, bring your attention back to the scripture. Imagine Satan approaching you. Satan just means “Opposition.” What opposition whispers enticing words that appeal to your desires. What form does this temptation take for you? Is it a craving for material possessions, the desire for power, or perhaps the longing for recognition and praise?

What is your greatest temptation right now that stands in opposition to your faith? 

As you face this temptation, remember the example of Jesus. He was tempted, just as we are, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. Take a deep breath and feel the strength and resilience within you.

Now, repeat the word “tempted” silently or aloud. Let this word resonate within you. Notice it is in the past tense. Your temptation is a thing of the past. It may be an ongoing trait or longing you encounter, but know that it doesn’t have to have a hold on your life.

As you continue to walk through the wilderness, feel the presence of God surrounding you, guiding you through the temptations of life. Know that you are never alone in your struggles, for God is always with you, offering strength and grace.

Take a few moments to sit in stillness, allowing these reflections to settle within you. When you are ready, return to the present moment, carrying with you the wisdom and courage to face whatever temptations may come your way. May you find peace and strength in the midst of temptation, knowing that you are loved unconditionally by the Divine.
 
* New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
 

We have now entered the season of Lent, which holds significant importance as a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. Lent spans 40 days, symbolizing Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, and it is a time for believers to draw closer to God through prayer, self-examination, and intentional acts of devotion.

​During this sacred season, we are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. It is a time to pause, reflect on one's relationship with God, and engage in practices that deepen the connection between faith and daily life.

In addition to traditional Lenten practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, this year's invitation extends to embrace a new spiritual practice—exploring various forms of meditation. We are encouraged to open our hearts and minds to different meditation techniques that foster inner peace, mindfulness, and a profound sense of God's presence.

These meditation practices may include contemplative prayer, where individuals reflect on scripture or sacred words in silence, allowing the divine message to permeate our being. Mindful meditation, focusing on breath and being present in the moment, can also be a powerful tool for centering oneself in God's love.
As part of this invitation, we invited to explore guided meditations that incorporate visualizations, affirmations, and gratitude, providing a unique and personal way to connect with the divine. The goal is to create a space for spiritual renewal, inviting participants to experience the richness of God's grace in new and meaningful ways.

During Lent, this blog will provide a guided meditation each week. If you prefer to listen to the meditation, you can do so here: One-Word Check-in podcast 

Mark 9:2-9
The Transfiguration of Jesus

The transfiguration of Jesus is a mystical experience, in which Jesus’ physical body transforms into his spiritual body “before them.” It happened right in front of them, and they were awestruck, as we all would be. Jesus took Peter, James and John to a solitary place on the mountain and revealed his true self, his divinity. They had witnessed God’s power through Jesus many times, but this time it was personal. Jesus revealed himself to them in a mountaintop experience that was uniquely designed for them.
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They had seen Jesus heal their family members and strangers. They witnessed Jesus release the hold demons had on people. They distributed the multiplied fish and loaves when Jesus fed multitudes of people. Jesus walked on water and calmed the storms right in front of them. When Jesus confronted the opposition, they were present to hear every word. They knew Jesus was like no other rabbi and believed that he was the Messiah. Yet, it still didn’t quite sink in until they saw it with their own eyes. Jesus had to be revealed to them personally, in a solitary place. They had to see it happen right before them, right in front of them, with their own eyes. And, what they saw was Jesus clothed in God’s dazzling light.

I’m sure part of their wonder was that all along, this part of Jesus was always before them. They experienced God right before their eyes, but never saw God’s light shining like this. Perhaps they were too focused on the physical. They were caught up in seeing Jesus eat, walk, sleep, and pray, and that they expected God to do things differently than a normal, physical human. Perhaps they were trying to figure things out intellectually, using their minds to make sense of God’s power and glory.

Many times, Jesus tried to tell the disciples who he was and what was to happen to him, but they didn’t understand. He tried again just six days before this experience, and Peter “rebuked” or dismissed him. But Jesus “rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Mark 8:33). Satan just means “Opposition,” so Peter was in opposition to or couldn't see the divine. He focused only on the physical, human aspect of Jesus.  
 
Jesus probably realized that Peter, in particular, needed to see more than the physical, so he would understand. He needed to see for himself how the spiritual shines through the physical. The two are intermingled as one, just as we use our minds and our hearts to truly understand the power of God’s transforming love.

Have you ever seen someone transform in front of you? Maybe not in an instant like this, but over time, you notice someone’s growth. They change little by little, and then one day, you see how far they’ve come. They’ve transformed into a new person. Their light shines through them, and you witness it before you. When you look back, you realize that their light was always before you. It was there the whole time, but perhaps you were focused on other things to see it. And now, their light is so bright you can’t miss it!

Peter, James and John could no longer miss it in Jesus. Even though they couldn’t talk about their mountaintop experience at first, they tucked it away within themselves until later when it would all make sense. This revelation of Jesus would prepare them for when they would see the Risen One shining before them after the Resurrection. This revelation of Jesus would prepare them to allow God’s dazzling light to shine through them.   
 
Reflection Questions:
Do you miss Jesus “before you” in the ordinary, every day life?
Do you miss seeing Jesus in the people you encounter?
Have you had your own personal mountaintop experience when Jesus revealed himself to you?
How does God’s light shine through you?
 
Action: Go to a solitary place, perhaps even a mountain hike, and open your eyes to see Jesus reveal himself to you in ways that you may not expect.