Spiritual Fitness

Let Father Larry Lead You Through a Powerful Prayer Meditation for All Ages

I like to describe spirituality as how we relate to God, to others, to ourselves and to God’s creation. All generations are in need of strong, meaningful relationships in their lives, which lead beautifully into spirituality. In essence, spirituality is all about relationships. It is clear that how we relate with each other will differ according to our age and our responsibilities or position in life.
I would like to share a “prayer meditation” that all ages can use to find a greater relationship with God. For this meditation, you will either need to semi-memorize it or have a companion or a group lead you.

Really Take Some Quiet Time for This Powerful Meditation

1 Close your eyes ... notice your breathing – every breath you take is God’s life coming into you. Think of your most favorite place in the whole world ... Mentally go there and relax – enjoy it. While there, Jesus approaches you ...
2 What does he look like? What does he sound like? What is he wearing? After he greets you, offer your own greeting and tell Jesus what you believe about him . Do you think of him as a friend, Savior, teacher, God, guide, etc.?
3 Then Jesus asks you: “How are things going?” You tell him you have a few fears. He asks for those fears. After thinking about it, you hand him your greatest fear in life followed by your second greatest fear. You feel him accept those fears. All of a sudden it feels like a breath of fresh air is blowing through your being. You feel lighter and more peaceful.
4 Now hand Jesus the thing you feel most guilty about in your life. He accepts this guilt and assures you of his love and forgiveness.
5 Next, hand him the person who has most hurt you in life or the person at whom you are the most angry. You literally see yourself handing that person to Jesus and you see him accept that person. Your hurt is lifted and your anger is lifted because Jesus is now handling the situation.
6 Hand Jesus the person you love the most and place that person in his protective custody. He tells you that to worry about this person is not helpful – just give them all the love that you have.
7 And, finally, hand Jesus the friend or family member or person you know who is most in need of healing. Jesus accepts this person and you feel so good giving them to the only one who can fix what we cannot fix. Your faith and your peace grow each time you turn these matters over to Jesus.
Jesus looks at you and tells you he loves you and he thanks you for trusting and believing in his ways. He says to you, “I want to remind you of two things: First, I promised to be with you until the end of time and I have kept that promise. Secondly, I promised to send the Paraclete – the Holy Spirit – to strengthen and guide you during your journey on this earth. The Spirit has done this and will continue to do so.”
8 Jesus tells you that it is now time to leave. But before you depart, he tells you that he loves you and gives you a hug. You thank him and tell him how much you love and appreciate all that he does for you. You promise to see him again in this prayer and meditation. Jesus leaves.
9 You are sitting in your favorite place on earth enjoying the contact you have had with Jesus. After awhile, come back to your daily life. You have just been spiritual – you have strengthened your relationship with God. No matter what your age – young, middle-aged or old – you need a strengthening of your relationship with God, others, self and creation. Amen.
P.S. This prayer meditation needs to be done slowly, with much visualization and in a peaceful, quiet place. – Father Larry Delaney is director of St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Call (517) 669-8321 for retreat information.

By: Fr. Larry Delaney
Originally Published: November 2001