This week we come together as a faith community to focus on “Pentecost and The Breath of God” with a favorite encore guest meditation by our friend, Olly Ryder, from Plymouth, England. Olly is an Anglican priest and church planter.    Olly shares in his meditation that scripture tells us the breath or wind of God is a recurring picture of God’s Presence with us, through the Holy Spirit. In Genesis, God’s Spirit hovers over creation itself and God’s breath brings life into Adam. And the New Testament tells us God’s Spirit rests on Jesus throughout His life and ministry. The wind of God empowers the Church from the day of Pentecost. And it’s God’s breath that is available today to give life to you, and to me. We can be assured, when we invite God to fill us…He does.   Where has the air in the room of your soul gone stale? Where do you need the fresh wind of God’s Spirit to refresh you?   Breathe in Spiritual Air with each physical breath you take. Let the wind of God reach the hidden places of your heart. God’s Breath is available every moment of every day to put fresh wind in the sails of our souls.   Prayer: Breath of God, Holy Spirit, come breathe on us we pray.   Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22    

This meditation focuses on practicing unrushed rhythms.   Slowing down the pace of life, as well as the information we take in, promotes a quiet soul. Studies show, calm, quiet moments are a trigger to our brain — minimizing the body’s physical response to stress, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones. This produces better concentration and overall emotional health.   Our souls need space to Breathe!   Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us: "Life is a journey, not a destination." This is true of the spiritual life as well.   So what will we discover on that journey? The answer may just be found in the pace of life that we keep.   Scripture: Jeremiah 2:25 MSG Psalm 46:10 MSG

Creating intentional space to quiet our souls prepares an environment that is imperative for a healthy inner life, as well as our external lives. Stillness births transformation, a process that cannot be rushed. Change takes place slowly as we surrender to our Maker’s loving Grace.   SCRIPTURES Psalm 131:2 ESV Psalm 46:10 CEV John 14:8 NIV Psalm 119:114,119 The MSG Acts 17:27-28 NIV Romans 8:26-28 MSG

This Daily Still meditation focuses on the nearness of God and the holy hush it ushers into our souls as we pay attention to the Divine all around us. We invite you to pause and breathe in deeply, as you quiet your soul in order to notice the Glory of God.   

We are honored to offer a special encore guest meditation by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is the New York Times best selling author of “This Here Flesh - Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us.” In today’s podcast episode, Cole shares a meditative reading from the chapter of her book on Rest. We invite you to enter into a place of centering stillness, becoming aware of the Divine within. Feel the wind of the Spirit blowing, as you settle in and listen to this beautiful meditation by Cole Arthur Riley. And be sure to check out my in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series. (Episode dated May 12, 2022) Cole serves as the spiritual teacher in residence with Cornell University’s Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. She is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator. For more on Cole and her work, visit www.colearthurriley.com @colearthurriley and @blackliturgies

Today’s meditation focuses on Psalm 145:5-6 and God as our Redeemer. The God of the Universe stepped down from glory and became human flesh in the person of Jesus - the “Redeemer and Savior” of the world.   We are in the Easter season of the Church, known as “Eastertide.” As we participate in the seasons of the Church, we join with those who have gone before us in practicing sacred rhythms that are so important to our faith. These rhythms help to guide us in spiritual transformation. Each season of the Church brings to us a fresh perspective in seeking and knowing God.   Psalm 145:5-6 "I remember the days of old. I meditate on all you have done. I ponder the work of your hands."

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 96, Declaring the Glory of God, as we reflect upon the resurrection of Christ and make space for joy and celebration. We are in the Easter season of the Church called Eastertide, a period of 50 days of celebration that spans from Easter to Pentecost, proclaiming Christ’s victory over death. Christ is risen! Our Savior lives. And the Kingdom of Heaven is now! This is the Church’s great season of joy! Psalm 96 gives testimony that the whole world and everything in it responds to the power of God to turn death into life! The risen Christ is everywhere…in the renewal of spring and all of creation, and in us!    As you meditate upon this Psalm, you are invited to be fully present, engaging all of your senses in worship of the Risen Savior.    "With His last breath before death, Jesus says that the best place for His life is in the hands of God, Everything is only finished when everything is entrusted into God’s hands." -Ann Voskamp     Scripture: Psalm 96 NLT, Psalm 134 NIV

“He is risen! He is risen indeed!” The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6 On Easter Sunday, all sorrow of holy week is turned to joy and praise. Holy Week reveals contrasts: The crucifixion and the resurrection, death and life, sin and salvation, sorrow and hope. Pause for a few moments and breathe in this holy exchange…. Breath in salvation/Exhale sin Breathe in freedom/Exhale bondage Breathe in hope/Exhale sorrow Breathe in faith/Exhale doubt Breathe in LIFE --------------- Thank you for joining us on this Holy Week journey. We hope your spirit has been encouraged and filled with renewed hope. If you have enjoyed our podcast, please subscribe and rate us. And if you know someone who would benefit from listening, please share it with a friend.

"Wait on the mercy of your Lord Jesus Christ." - Jude 21 On this day, the Lord Jesus Christ lays in the tomb after his death on the cross. But God is always at work behind the scenes and beyond what we can see or imagine. And so we wait in hope of the glorious resurrection. What are you waiting for in your life and hoping to be true? "I wait quietly before God…for my victory comes from him." - Psalm 62:1 NLT If Jesus did not give up on us and abandon us before going to the cross, He will certainly not abandon us now. God will never leave you or forsake you, even in the silence. For He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 - The Amplified Bible Faith looks up in hope to the God who keeps His promises. Be with us now Lord, in the waiting.

Today we look at the cross and remember the price Jesus paid, as He took our sin upon Himself. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV As Jesus continued his journey through passion week, His throne would be a cross, and his crown would be made of thorns. Jesus could have chosen to stop the journey before the cross, but He didn’t." God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT Romans 5:8 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

The Last Supper, shared by Jesus and His disciples, is commemorated on this Holy Thursday. This meal was rich in symbolic meaning. We are all invited to come together as one family, to the table of our Lord. Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" This night would end with Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would ultimately be betrayed, arrested, and deserted by his disciples. You are invited to remain with Jesus in the garden of prayer where He prayed to the Father. “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” - Matthew 26:42

Matthew 26:6-13 NIV – (Jesus Anointed at Bethany) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” This extravagant act symbolized Jesus was Christ, a title meaning “anointed one.” Anointing the head of Jesus was symbolic of anointing a King. God sees the desire and motives of our hearts. And every act of love, faith, sacrifice and obedience is recognized and remembered by our Creator. Also on this day, the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, and Judas agrees to betray Him. "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." Matthew 26:14-16 Jesus was betrayed by a friend in his inner circle. We have all felt the sting of betrayal. And we have all stumbled, wandered and betrayed our Lord in one way or another. In this space, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart…

On Holy Tuesday, the religious leaders tried to discredit Jesus' power and ultimate authority. But Jesus clearly states his deity and authority in John 14:6. He is the way, the truth and the life. He died so that we can have personal access to the Father. Jesus invites us to trust in Him. Silence and solitude is a place of resting and trusting in God. We invite you to pause for a few moments of silent reflection. "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path." - Psalm 37:7&24

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus tells his disciples – “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” - Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus suffered so all people, his entire creation, could be set free. 
Lift up your prayers, in faith, for yourself, your family, your community and the world. "Save me, O God. I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
 Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me.
 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 
Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them." - Psalm 69 As you walk with Jesus on his way to the cross, ask Him to help you see His great love and mercy for you more clearly.

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It’s remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures. "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 “Faith is the gaze of a soul…upon a saving God.” - A.W. Tozer

Today we hold space for grief. Grief, suffering, and loss touch all parts of our world in communal and personal ways. This week here in the United States, right in our hometown of Nashville, TN, we have experienced the tragedy and trauma of gun violence. We can become desensitized and unable to process so much tragic news. Often words alone seem inadequate. We need silence in the presence of a loving and compassionate God who sees our tears. There is importance in sharing space for grief, to sit with our feelings, and help one another process our emotions. In this meditation, we offer space to grieve and mourn - for ourselves and/or for those who are mourning. We make space to honor and remember each precious life. We make space to get in touch with our own feelings. And we make space to consider how God is calling us to action and to show compassion to those hurting. We’ll be meditating on a prayer from Psalm 57, TPT. We invite you to prepare a quiet place for this time of meditation. Perhaps light a candle. Don’t rush or hurry this time. Linger as long as you need to process your feelings. Allow the Spirit of God to minister to the places in your heart that need to be comforted and healed. Have mercy on me, O God…for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 57:1 NLT In Memory of: Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9; William Kinney, 9 Hallie Scruggs, 9. Katherine Koonce, 60 Mike Hill, 61 Cynthia Peak, 61       

Merry Christmas! We are excited to be returning with all new meditations on January 2, 2023! Join us for Season 7 each Monday as we reflect on "The Words of Jesus." And in the meantime, enjoy this encore musical Christmas meditation, featuring holiday songs from the artist J. Lauren, who happens to be host Cindy Helton’s daughter and The Daily Still Podcast producer! Come let us celebrate the mystery and hope of Jesus - God with us. Joy for all people! And heaven and nature sing! J.Lauren’s Christmas album, "Merry Christmas (Love, J.Lauren)" is out wherever you listen to music! Click here for links to J.Lauren’s music Verse references: Luke 2:10-11 – “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Matthew 2:10 – When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 1 Chronicles 16:27 – Honor and majesty surround Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. Psalm 70:4 – God, may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You

Join us for an all new season of The Daily Still beginning Monday, January 2, 2023! In the meantime, please enjoy this encore Christmas meditation. Merry Christmas!   Let us prepare our hearts in anticipation of Christ’s birth. The stories and scriptures may be familiar, but there is always more to ponder. This meditation focuses on Mary’s story and her faithful “yes” to the mystery of God. As you listen, consider with fresh insight the courage of Mary. Consider the fear she must have experienced, the vulnerability and disbelief. Ponder her consent and surrender in saying “yes” to the mystery of the Incarnation. And consider, “Where are you being invited to say 'Yes' to divine appointments in your life?”    Find a quiet space, take several deep breaths, perhaps light an advent candle, and become aware of God with you.    Scripture references are taken from The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1 NIV

Today’s meditation is an encore episode from our 40 Days of Stillness Series, that invites you to receive a holy exchange. Breathe in God’s peace and exhale anxiety and fear. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,” Philippians 4:7 We have an hour long meditation to calm fear and anxiety available on iTunes.

Today we present an encore episode originally from Season 2. You are invited to “be still” and enjoy 5 minutes of uninterrupted stillness. In this quiet space, ask God for more of His Presence in your life. "The LORD replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" - Exodus 33:14 NIV

Today’s meditation is an encore episode originally from Season 2 that focuses on spiritual surrender. Stillness is a way of surrendering our hearts to the One who knows us best. Freeing the mind of thoughts and concerns, while resting in God’s presence, allows us to SEE God more clearly in the daily of life. There’s an enemy who whispers lies to our souls. His goal is to create busyness, distraction, uncertainty and discouragement. These whisper can become louder if you allow it space in your thoughts. So we need to discern the voice of Truth, by connecting with and knowing our Creator. By being still and listening.

Today we present an encore episode originally from Season 2, titled "Guard Your Heart." This meditation reminds us that our hearts are a lifeline for spiritual and physical well-being.  “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life." - Proverbs 4:23 CSB  We have the responsibility of guarding the GATEWAY to our hearts. What we let in affects both spiritual and physical health. So we must ask ourselves… “Am I willingly letting anything unhealthy into my heart, affecting my body, soul, mind and spirit?” The battle to guard our heart is real and ongoing. Moment by moment we have to choose what we will think on and where we will focus our gaze. As we meditate on God’s Word, we are able to SEE His life-giving ways more clearly.

Today we present an encore episode originally from Season 2, titled "The Filter of God's Love." This meditation will focus on seeing God through the filter of His great Love for us. "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1 NLT Listen to your loving Heavenly Father whisper over you today… "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." - Jeremiah 31:3 NLT Take a few moments to embrace and receive God’s tender love and affection for you…

Today we present an encore episode originally from Season 2, titled "The Lens of True Identity." The Kingdom of God is in your midst." Luke 17:21 TLV Through Christ, we are all daughters and sons of the King of Kings! That makes us royalty! Esther 4:14 - "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" What if we lived each day embracing our true identity as part of a royal family? Emily P. Freeman says it like this: "When we let ourselves become who we already are, we allow our souls to be a spacious foundation for the building of the kingdom of God." As we surrender our will to God, we are able to embrace the extraordinary plans of the King of the universe for our lives.

Today's meditation is an encore episode originally from Season 2, titled "Glance Toward Heaven." We will focus on Psalm 111, a Psalm of praise. One of the ways to see God more clearly, is through the practice of gratitude and praise. As we glance toward heaven in praise, we recognize and give our Creator His rightful place of honor in our lives. Take a deep breath… becoming aware of God… with you. Psalm 111:1-4 - "Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise Him forever!"

Today we present an encore episode from Season 2 titled, "Breath of The Almighty." "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4 ESV This is a teaching meditation focusing on breathing as a way of stilling our soul. We take about 20,000 breaths a day without even thinking about it. The stresses of life cause our breathing to become more rapid and shallow. Many health experts agree, one of the best things we can do for overall health is to change how we inhale and exhale. So take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and be still for a moment.