Today’s prayer is a very practical exercise. If you haven’t done any Christian contemplation before, and want to try it, go to a quiet place where will not be interrupted for 10-20 minutes (don’t take a phone). Sit comfortably, and make sure you are warm enough – a soft blanket can be very comforting. Relax, be still, and allow yourself to become aware of your breathing. Then slowly pray the first line of the first couplet (either in a whisper, or silently in your head), whilst breathing in, and the second line whilst breathing out. There is no hurry. Breathe in and out slowly between each verse, enjoying the quietness. Then do the same with the next couplet, and so on. Thoughts, feelings and memories will probably come into your mind, distracting you from the exercise. Just quietly be aware of them, but give them no attention. Gently let them go, and continue to pray. You might want to say the whole prayer two or three times, allowing the silence and stillness within you to deepen. Continue to sit quietly for a minute or two after finishing, experiencing the moment. Then wriggle your fingers and toes, and start moving your arms and legs, to prepare your body for standing up. Get up slowly, taking a couple of breaths, before moving on gently to continue with your day. See if you can take some of that inner peace with you, as you leave your solitary place.
A breathing meditation
* Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35; NIV).
* But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen (Matthew 6:6; NIV).
* Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7; NIV).
* He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10; NIV).
* Be silent before the Sovereign LORD (Zephaniah 1:7; NIV).
Lord, in this solitary place,
I let go of everything but you.
Lord, in this patient waiting,
I let go of everything but you.
Lord, in this peaceful stillness,
I let go of everything but you.
Lord, in this deepening silence,
I let go of everything but you.