Practicing stillness is about learning to hear God and become in tune with our true selves. It’s a willingness to slow down and pay attention…to surrender to the mystery of… God’s transforming Presence. In this place of loving communion, we let go of our expectations and rest in the grace of our relationship as dearly loved children of God.   We find rest and hope in knowing that we do not need to be successful, perfect, or sinless, to hang out with God. There is no place for striving. Unconditional love welcomes us as we are….   As we conclude our Monday Meditation series on Pondering the Psalms, I’d like to address the question… How can I hear clearly from the Holy Spirit? Or how do I know it’s God I’m hearing and not just my own thoughts. Silence and stillness are helpful pathways to hearing God more clearly and recognizing the Voice of Divine guidance. The more we practice, the better we become at discerning the still small voice of God. In the Here are a few helpful tips in practicing listening prayer:     How to practice listening prayer Listening prayer is more than just listening with our ears… we listen with the eyes of our heart. We engage our body soul, mind and spirit. That means undistracted attention given to our times of seeking to hear from God. We lean into God’s embrace with an openness to receive. We breathe in the Spirit of God.   As you come to God with your question or request for guidance…Trust God is with you and always listening with undivided attention. Wait in silence for God to speak. Don’t rush this process. God’s Word encourages us to wait upon the Lord…We wait for God to reveal Himself to us. There are unlimited ways God’s Divine Presence is revealed to us. There is always more to know and experience about our infinite Creator. Pay attention to any Scripture, songs, impressions, or pictures that come to mind and write them down. Continue to ask God more questions about what you heard, thought, or any visual impressions that came to mind. Carry God’s word with you. Put into practice the guidance you received, Keep listening and looking for confirmation in scripture and from others. Turn God’s Word into positive affirmations allowing God’s Words to continue to speak over your life   So today, I invite you to relax and lean into the embrace of the Holy One as you meditate on these Psalms of affirmation. Scripture Affirmations are helpful statements of Truth that we can memorize and repeat to encourage positive thoughts and beliefs about our self and how God sees us. There will be spaces for you to embody these truths and engage your body, soul, mind and spirit as we turn each affirmation into a breath prayer. Pray each breath prayer 2 or 3 times in the rhythm of your natural breathing…   Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.   Breath Prayer… Inhale: I love you Lord Exhale: Because you listen to me   Psalm 139:1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. Inhale: Thank you Lord Exhale: that I am known by you   Psalm 139: 13-14 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it! Inhale: You made me O God Exhale: I am a marvelous creation   Psalm 139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered. Inhale: Precious thoughts of me Exhale: are always on God’s mind   Psalm 144:1-2 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. I take refuge in him. Inhale: God is on my side Exhale: He is my loving ally   Psalm 146:9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Inhale: God is good to me Exhale: His compassion for me is endless   Psalm 70:4 May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Inhale: I search for you