Guided Prayer - Returning To Love

Welcome, beloved in Christ.

Take a deep breath in and slowly let it go Again.

Inhale deeply and release, and release One more gentle breath filling your lungs with life, and exhale.

Here, in this moment, god is already with you, the spirit nearer than your own breath.

You are safe, you are held and you are loved.

Hear the word of the Lord.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things and again, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.

Oh lord, my rock and my redeemer, let these words settle over you like gentle rain.

With your inhale silently, pray, lord Jesus.

Fill me with your love.

And with your exhale, silently, pray, let me become love.

Inhale, lord Jesus.

Fill me with your love.

Exhale, let me become love.

Exhale, let me become love.

Continue this prayer with your breathing.

Allow the rhythm of the prayer and the breath weave together as you breathe.

Picture the love of Christ as light, soft, golden, radiant.

As you breathe, picture the love of Christ as light, soft, golden radiant filling your chest, your heart, your whole being.

See it expand, flowing outward, washing away harshness, fear or bitterness.

Every anxious thought, every heavy burden is lifted in the presence of this love beloved.

To return to love is to return to God, for God is love, and this love does not condemn, but restores, renews and makes all things new.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, have mercy on me.

Amen.

Repeat this softly, with the rhythm of your own breath, as the saints and mystics prayed this across the centuries.

Let it become a holy whisper in the chambers of your heart.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, have mercy on me, thank you now imagine this merciful love moving beyond you to your family, to your community, your family to your community to those you struggle with, to the weary world.

Beloved, you are a vessel of holy love by the Holy Spirit.

You are becoming the answer to your own prayer.

As you breathe, say inwardly in love, I live in love, I move in love.

I have my being.

Slowly return your awareness to the room, Feel your feet upon the earth, your body supported, your breath, steady and calm.

Beloved, you have prayed with your heart.

You have returned to love.

Carry this blessing with you.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer, go in peace.

Go in love, go in God.