Meditation on the Glory of God with the Lord’s Prayer

By Joseph Pikul

 

Meditation on the Glory of God with the Lord’s Prayer

Many of you who follow my blog are familiar with my work under the pen name Ishall Dogood. In my first e-book, 'Become the Boss of You,' I delve into the benefits of activities that enhance all aspects of life. Embarking on a journey of self-improvement, I've discovered numerous life hacks. Yet, if I could choose only two, I would prioritize prayer and meditation. The profound transformation they bring, combined with the spirit of my first book, drives this article on meditating on the 'Glory of God.'

Background help

First, please delve into my article, “First Meditation on The Lord’s Prayer.” It covers the profound significance of the Lord’s Prayer, touching on various aspects, including its potential to enhance our spiritual growth. I dissect the sections of this prayer, making it more accessible for use in affirmation, prayer, and meditation, ensuring that everyone can benefit from its power. 

Next, read the article “Second Meditation on The Lord's Prayer.” In this article, I cover how the early Christians used this prayer for meditation. These two articles cover the first part of the Lord’s Prayer, which is the nature and glory of God. After reading those pieces, you can see how advantageous it is to meditate on God's wonders and glory. This is no new revelation, and I will draw help from a writer I feel did it as well as anyone.

This may be a good time to address who is worthy of writing such a piece I am attempting. Possibly nobody, but it will never be written if I wait until I am worthy of this task. I will try my best and pray I do at least partial justice. With that in mind, I am eager to seek help with this topic. I will go back in time and evoke the help of a great Christian thinker and saint. Saint Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430 AD, is considered one of the most influential figures in Catholic theology, and rightfully so.

When reading St. Augustine, we are usually pointed to his most famous work, “Confessions.” In Confessions, we cannot help but notice that he constantly praises God. As this brilliant mind argues about Original Sin, grace, free will, and humanity's flaws, he clothes them in God's glory. The reason for this seems redundant and foreign in our present day and age.

So let me close this great literary work by saying it must be read aloud because it is a prayer. It was meant to be read with Latin's rhythm and poetic feel. After reading, it remains a beautiful prayer to read and meditate upon.   

Conclusions of the Background Help

St. Augustine needs no help from me. Having a copy of Confessions to pick up to read the words of this saint is cathartic. The articles I’ve recommended above aim to assist you in becoming more present while easing your body and mind. For instance, you will scan your body without judgment or analysis during meditation. If you encounter any tension in a specific area, acknowledge it without criticism and let it go. This straightforward technique encourages relaxation in the body and fosters a sense of tranquility in both body and mind. When the body relaxes, the mind follows suit, and vice versa. It's truly a win-win situation!

 A remedy for wandering thoughts is similar and quite straightforward. We start by stating to ourselves that we will focus on the current task to find joy in the activity itself. If another thought arises, we acknowledge it and gently redirect our minds to the joy of the meditation. With practice, we let go of overthinking. Some thoughts are persistent. Yet, you will be surprised how many thoughts are polite enough to leave in time. You will also find that the easiest way to improve is by finding the joy in your meditation.

As you learn to manage distracting thoughts during meditation, it becomes simpler to derive joy from other activities. You learn that the more happiness you infuse into life's endeavors, the easier it is to remain present in the moment. So, you see that just as we state in chapter five of my first e-book under the name “Become the Boss of You,” your ability to pray and meditate will prosper your entire life.

 The breath of life and your meditation

Plan on about 10 to 15 minutes for the following exercise. We will settle into proper relaxation and breathing for the first five minutes. Let’s start with some easy steps to gain the benefits of proper breathing.

 

1.      Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can be alone. Eliminating any potential distraction from your environment is best. Always being in an ideal environment is impossible but do your best. Find a comfortable chair, stool, or pillow to erect your spine and allow your muscles to fall naturally on your frame. Loosen restrictive clothing. Set a timer if you want.  

2.      Relax. Let loose your “mental self” and “physical self.” Sit comfortably and “just be” for a few moments. As you settle into this state, grasp that these sessions belong to no one but you and God. Allow your hands and limbs to fall naturally in your lap or on your legs. Do not “try” to relax. Think you are “Letting” or “allowing” your body to relax. Be at ease, at peace, and in harmony with yourself and the gift of gravity.

3.      Close your eyes and consciously see all tension being released from your head to your toes in your mind. Allow yourself to become limp yet alert. Breathe in slowly, completely, and gently. Then, exhale slowly, easily, and completely. Allow the diaphragm and lungs to expand naturally as you breathe. Become childlike and friendly with your breath. Make friends with the activity of breathing, as it is just as essential to you as your brain or any other organ. Contemplate, “This is the gift of living breath.”

4.      Continue your rhythmic breath and ponder that life-sustaining energy exists in every breath you take. As you continue the harmony of your breathing, consider that every body cell takes part in this process and receives God’s life energy of breath. Every cell also releases waste and “the old” during your exhale. You are being rhythmically healed with every breath. Enjoy the experience as you slip into a state of alert tranquility.

5.      For the next 10 minutes, we will pleasurably focus on each part of the Lord’s prayer, which Jesus intended to contemplate God's goodness. If you have read the two articles mentioned, you will find it easier to start the process. If your thoughts wander “gently,” bring them back to the part of the prayer you are meditating upon.

 

·         Sit quietly and meditate on the statement “Our Father.” God’s nature and truth is that this relationship is between father and child. As God’s children, we participate in God’s nature. We are part of this divine spirit.

·         Meditation on – “Which Art in Heaven.” God is the source. God is cause. We are “effect.” We are manifestations of God. We walk with God. Jesus tells us to invoke a heavenly state of mind to commune with God. 

·         Meditate on -- “Hallowed be thy Name.” God is all-powerful. See and feel examples of power's manifestations in this world. Try to invoke as many of your senses as you can. Visualize and imagine. Feel God’s power. Next, let your thoughts see and feel that God is all good. See and feel the goodness God has bestowed upon you and others, whether physical, mental, or spiritual.

·        Meditation on – “Thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Now, visualize that God’s Kingdom is “the perfect good.” When you ask, it can manifest perfect wholeness for you. Believe. Have faith. Don’t push it away from disbelief when it arrives.

 6.      At the end of your session, note your state of relaxation. Scan your body from head to foot again and imprint this relaxation and ease of breath into your memory. Also, note the state of peace and clarity of thought. This imprint can be a starting point for your next meditation session. I call these set points.

7.      Gently return to your normal breath activity. Take some gentle stretches and try to appreciate the subtle energy you possess as you continue with your day.

Please pay it forward by sharing this blog. You never know who it may help. Soon, I will complete an MP3 guided meditation using the first part of this holy prayer and post links on my blogs, Facebook, and Instagram. 

I wish you peace and happiness in God’s Love.

 Peace, Joseph Pikul


The Daily Compass of Prayer and Affirmation - https://yourdailycompass.blogspot.com/

Facebook at @joe.pikul.94

Instagram at jpikuliam1

Welcome, brothers and sisters in God. My name is Joe Pikul. I am an author and publisher who has dedicated this blog to using prayer and affirmation to advance ourselves. Our focus is the growth and happiness of our spirit, sustained health, and wealth.

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