Meditation on the Glory of God with the Lord’s Prayer
If you follow my articles,
you are most likely familiar with my work under the pen name Ishall Dogood. In my first e-book, "Become the Boss of You," I
explore 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 explores
the profound significance of the Lord’s Prayer, examining various aspects,
including its potential to foster 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.” You will learn how
early Christians utilized 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 not a new revelation, and I will draw help from a
writer I feel did it as well as anyone.
One question I
asked myself was if I was worthy of writing such works as I am attempting.
Possibly nobody is, 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 possibly foreign
in our present age of hustle and bustle.
So, let me close
this great literary work by saying that 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 help you
become more present while easing your body and mind. For instance, during meditation,
you will scan your body without judgment or analysis. If you encounter tension
in a specific area, acknowledge it without criticism and release it. 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 telling
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. As you can see,
just as stated in Chapter Five of my first e-book, “Become the Boss of You,”
your ability to pray and meditate will enrich your entire life.
The breath of life and your
meditation
You should plan on
about 10 to 15 minutes for the following exercise. We will settle into a state
of 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 distractions from your environment is
best. If being in this ideal environment is impossible, do the best that you
can. Find a comfortable chair, stool, or pillow to sit on with your spine
erect, and allow your muscles to relax 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 into your lap or onto 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 inhale and exhale. 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 take time to focus on the parts of the Lord’s
Prayer in which Jesus intended to help us 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 reveal that this relationship is
between a father and a 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. Witness and experience examples of
God’s manifestations in the 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 refer to these as “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 article. You never know who
it may help. When I complete an MP3 guided meditation using the first part of
this holy prayer, I will post links on my blogs, Facebook, and Instagram.
I wish you peace and happiness in
God’s Love.
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