And there were shepherds living out in the fields

nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the

glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were

terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all

people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born

to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:8-11

Meditation:

Has the reality of change in my life met with the abiding birth of my Savior bringing

forth joy?

Affirmation:

Today my Savior is born to me.

Prayer:

Good news and glory, light and joy, are yours forever, Lord; today is the day. May I begin each day from now by reverently bowing to your Saving Grace Jesus Christ.

MIND

For they that are after the flesh do mind

the things of the flesh: but they that are after

the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5

Meditation

Do the people I know fit neatly into one of these two categories?

Affirmation

What I seek I find.

Prayer

Thank you, Creator God, for your immutable laws.

SOUL

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil:

he preserveth the souls of saints;

he delivereth them out of the hand of

the wicked.

Psalms 97:10

Meditation

When have I lacked the strength to detach myself from a toxic relationship

or habit?

Affirmation

God delivers and preserves the souls of his people.

Prayer

Lord, you know that I long for you above all else: please remove me

from actions and conversations that do not honor you.

HEART

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto

this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into

the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that

those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have

whatsoever he saith.

Mark 11:28

Meditation

To what purpose do I retain doubt in my heart?

Affirmation

I surrender the desires of my heart to God moment by moment.

Prayer

Lord God, through Jesus Christ, will you fill my heart with your desires?

MIND

And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from one end of

the earth unto the other: and there thou shalt serve other gods,

which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and

stone. And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither

shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee

there a trembling heart, and failing eyes, and sorrow of mind.

Deuteronomy 28:64,65

Meditation

When have I been given sorrow by God in exchange for worshipping and serving

lesser powers?

Affirmation

Serving God is good for the mind.

Prayer

Lord God, I admit and repent of my weakness in following after other lesser

powers. Please restore me to my right place with you.

SOUL

I stretch forth my hands unto thee:

my soul thirsteth after thee,

as a thirsty land.

Psalms 143:6

Meditation

What landscape would best mirror the condition of my soul today?

Affirmation

My soul is in relationship with God and the world every day.

Prayer

God, I adore you for your creation, for the connection of all souls with

water, air, earth and sky.

MIND

And truly, if they (God's people) had been mindful

of that country from whence they had come out, they

might have had opportunity to have returned. But

now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:

for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 11:15

Meditation

Is my mind full of desiring God's plan or my own?

Affirmation

I know that God will deliver all His people.

Prayer

May I surrender my plans to you, Lord, in order to desire the greater good.

HEART

And because ye are sons, God hath sent

forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,

crying, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:6

Meditation

When lately and why have I cried to God, my Father?

Affirmation

The Spirit of Jesus Christ is in my heart today.

Prayer

Thank you, Father God, for the beautiful Spirit of your Son that you have

sent into the hearts of Christians everywhere.

SOUL

Now is my soul troubled: and what shall

I say? Father, save me from this hour:

but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:27

Meditation

What is revealed to me in these words of Jesus?

Affirmation

When my soul is troubled, I remember the purpose of Jesus' suffering.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your cause in saving us. Thank you for showing us

the way through suffering, your way.

HEART

Them (of the tribe of Dan) hath he filled with

wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of

the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and

of the embroiderer in blue, and in purple, in scarlet,

and in fine linen, and of the weaver...

Exodus 35:35

Meditation

Have I seen people working for God whose hearts seem to be filled by Him

with wisdom?

Affirmation

God inspires people to work beautiful works for Him.

Prayer

Creator God, I am in awe of all the beauty you have inspired, and all the

hearts you have blessed with wisdom.

MIND

I beseech thee (Philemon) for my son Onesimus...

whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive

him... But without thy mind would I do nothing:

that thy benefit should not be as it were of

necessity but willingly.

Philemon 10,12a,14

Meditation

Do I encourage others to make up their minds freely, or have I

developed a habit of making subtle or not-so-subtle demands?

Affirmation

Freedom of mind is in Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Forgive me Father, through you son Christ Jesus, for the demanding pressures

I have put on others to do my will. Help me aspire to a greater freedom in you.

SOUL

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

and why art thou disquieted in me?

hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise

him for the help of his countenance.

Psalms 42:5

Meditation

How shall I speak to my soul, and what part of me is speaking?

Affirmation

God is the lover of souls.

Prayer

Lord, please give me patience with my soul's down times; may I praise you forever.

HEART

For we commend not ourselves again unto you,

but give you occasion to glory on our behalf,

that you may have somewhat to answer them

which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

II Corinthians 5:12

Meditation

What do I have to say to people who glory in appearances?

Affirmation

The heart of the matter is what matters most to me.

Prayer

Thank you for the glorious hearts of your apostles and disciples, precious

Lord, my friend and redeemer.

MIND

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord

hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not

done them of mine own mind.

Numbers 16:28

Meditation

When lately have I known works which seem to be from the mind of God?

Affirmation

I detach from my own thoughts and let God through.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, thank you for the powerful and humble example of your

servant Moses! May I be less attached to my own thoughts and seek yours instead.

SOUL

For ye were as sheep going astray:

but are now returned unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

Meditation

Have I had enough of the dangers that arise from wandering without my Shepherd?

Affirmation

My soul has been returned to the care of Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Creator God, I repent with my whole soul of the pain caused by my straying from your care.

HEART

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house

of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them: for I have

mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them

off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them. And they of

Ephraim shall be like a mighty man... their heart shall

rejoice in the Lord.

Zechariah 10:6,7

Meditation

How do the qualities of strength and joy emerge as I come to the place God has for me?

Affirmation

I feel joyful and strong in my relationship with God.

Prayer

Thank you God, for hearing your people, for leading, and for your tender mercy

throughout history.

MIND

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care

into the heart of Titus for you... And not that only, but who

was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this

grace, which is administered to us to the glory of the same

Lord, and declaration of your ready mind...

2 Corinthians 8:16,19

Meditation

Who is responsible for a mind's readiness to receive the Gospel?

Affirmation

Grace abounds to the glory of God.

Prayer

Thanks be to you, O God, and glory for all hearts and minds which through

your grace come to you, and minister for you.

SOUL

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body

be preserved blameless unto the coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Meditation

Who has the power to preserve and sanctify a soul?

Affirmation

God desires wholesome souls.

Prayer

All praise and glory are due to you, God of Peace, for your care to preserve and

sanctify the souls, spirits and bodies of your children.

HEART

Though a host should encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear: though war should

rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalms 27:3

Meditation

How can the psalmist be so confident in his heart?

Affirmation

The confidence of my heart is God's presence.

Prayer

God I surrender all my fears to you and ask that you would give

me confidence of heart for whatever comes.

MIND

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our

Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing,

and that there be no divisions among you; but that

ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind

and in the same judgement.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Meditation

What is the unity of mind that I seek?

Affirmation

The Christ mind is healing and unifying.

Prayer

I am ready Lord, to let go of impediments to unity of mind, such as pride in my own thinking and narrow-mindedness.

SOUL

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and

superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with

meekness the engrafted word, which is able

to save your souls.

James 1:21

Meditation

Which are the words of scripture which are speaking strongly to me of late? Am I actively living them?

Affirmation

My soul needs the saving power of the word of God.

Prayer

May I hear you speaking to me today, Lord, through your Word.

HEART

A sound heart is the life of the flesh:

but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Meditation

What if I know for sure that envy would shorten my life?

Affirmation

My heart is enlivened by gratitude.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for creating us to be whole and wholesome in the unity of

mind, body, and spirit.

MIND

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord

Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That

ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by

Spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the

day of Christ is at hand.

2 Thessalonians 2:1,2

Meditation

What is my understanding of "the day of Christ?"

Affirmation

My mind is firm: the future belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy One, thank you for the ever-living Hope that is Christ Jesus--past, present, and future.

SOUL

Our soul waiteth for the Lord:

he is our help and our shield.

Psalms 33:20

Meditation

How does waiting for the Lord feel to me?

Affirmation

Our help is coming.

Prayer

All helpful ideas come from you, Lord God. May I wait patiently for your guidance.

MIND

And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge, God gave them over

to a reprobate mind, to do those things which

are not convenient.

Romans 1:23

Meditation

How will I retain God in my thoughts today?

Affirmation

I enjoy thinking about God.

Prayer

Lord, I admit with sadness the frequency with which my thoughts stray from you. May I always listen to your calling me back.

SOUL

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.

Luke 1:46,47

Meditation

What relationship and purpose are proclaimed in Mary's praise?

Affirmation

Mary shows me the way of rejoicing.

Prayer

In the Name of Jesus, I praise you, God, for the soul and spirit of our Mother Mary.

HEART

And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have

hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might

shew these my signs before him: And that thou mayest tell in

the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought

in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may

know how that I am the Lord.

Exodus 10: 1,2

Meditation

Can I imagine that God is working in the hearts of world leaders today?

Affirmation

God is making himself known in world events.

Prayer

I am in awe, Lord, of your involvement in every time, and in every heart.

MIND

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,

and destitute of truth, supposing that gain

is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Timothy 6:5

Meditation

Have I been drawn into some argument lately which does not serve the greater good?

Affirmation

I withdraw from corrupt, argumentative people.

Prayer

Father God, may I remain firm in the truths you reveal to me.

SOUL

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the

will of God commit the keeping of their souls

to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 4:19

Meditation

How do I comprehend the idea that suffering can be the will of God?

Affirmation

My soul is committed to the good I can do today for God.

Prayer

Faithful Creator God, thank you for the care that you give to all souls each and every day.

HEART

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be

thou in fear of the Lord all the day long.

Proverbs 23:17

Meditation

Have I been envious lately of some person or lifestyle? Do they represent the values to which I am truly committed?

Affirmation

I remember the goodness of God all day long.

Prayer

May my heart be strengthened with the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus, and none other.

MIND

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness

of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face,

that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end

of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for

until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading

of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:12-14

Meditation

In what way are the past and future veiled from my sight and why? What am I wanting to understand?

Affirmation

The Christian hope is plain to me.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the whole testimony to your love, which is clear through Jesus Christ.

SOUL

And fear not them which kill the body, but

are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear

him which is able to destroy both soul and

body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

Meditation

Whose power is ultimate in life and death? Will I surrender the life of my soul to Him?

Affirmation

My soul is completely in God's care

Prayer

Gracious God, I surrender my soul to your power, love and mercy. Thank you for your never-ending care.

HEART

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on

a woman to lust after her hath committed

adultery with her already in his heart.

Matthew 5:28

Meditation

What condition is my heart in lately concerning lust? Have I confessed and sought

forgiveness?

Affirmation

The Lord Jesus knows the condition of my heart.

Prayer

Merciful God, I confess the sin of lust and ask for you to clean my heart with forgiveness.

HEART

But let it (your adornment) be the hidden man

of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,

even ornament of a week and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Peter 3:4

Meditation

Have I ever been attracted to a meek and quiet spirit? Let me think of people who exemplify this to me.

Affirmation

God highly values the beauty of a quiet spirit.

Prayer

Lord God, may I return to peace today and trust in the beauty of your ways.

SOUL

Which hope (the hope set before us),

we have as an anchor of the soul...

Hebrews 6:19a

Meditation

Why does the soul need an anchor?

Affirmation

I am held firmly in the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Creator God, I praise and love you for the hope you offer to all people through your Son.

HEART

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed,

and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto

him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah,

that is ninety years old bear?

Genesis 17:17

Meditation

Even the great man of faith Abraham had doubt in his heart. What doubts have I had

in my heart lately?

Affirmation

Miracles are performed by God despite the doubts of his people.

Prayer

Thank you, Father God, for creating this wonderful moment of hope and faith when Abraham laughed through his doubts. May I take my own doubts so lightly remembering your

awesome power and love to all generations.

MIND

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother

Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was

found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being

a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded

to put her away privily.

Matthew 1:18,19

Meditation

How does Joseph's predicament inspire me to humility of mind?

Affirmation

God's plan is perfect and beyond human justice.

Prayer

May I have the patience, Lord, to wait on you day and night in times of crises for a plan that is closer to your will than any seemingly fair reaction of my limited mind.

SOUL

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say?

Father, save me from this hour:

but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:27

Meditation

How might I grow in relationship to Jesus' example about trouble and the soul?

Affirmation

Trouble in the soul is within God's order.

Prayer

May I live in gratitude of the sacrifice Jesus made to show all people your Mercy, Lord God; and may I surrender to times of trouble, hoping in your perfect plan.

HEART

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer

to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Romans 10:1

Meditation

How would my strategies for helping others change if my heart's desire

was always for their salvation?

Affirmation

Salvation for all is my heart's desire.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank you for your saving work throughout humanity,

throughout history, and into eternity.

MIND

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,

the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained:

what is man that thou art mindful of him and the

son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalms 8:3-4

Meditation

When was the last time I experienced awe while observing the night sky?

Affirmation

God's mind attends to his creation, including all human beings.

Prayer

Glory to you God most High, for all you contain and create moment by moment.

SOUL

Then said he (Jesus) unto them, My soul

is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:

tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Matthew 26:38

Meditation

Let me imagine Gethsemane at night, and the Lord's soul sorrowing.

Affirmation

My Lord has known deep sorrow.

Prayer

I pray to watch with you, Jesus, when you call on me. Have mercy on me for my failures to stay awake with you.

HEART

By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic

hast thou increased thy riches, and thine

heart is lifted up because of thy riches...

Ezekiel 28:5

Meditation

Why is it harmful to God, to others and to my soul when my heart is prideful

of worldly goods?

Affirmation

I return with all my heart to the riches of heaven.

Prayer

Lord, I feel your Spirit moving me to detach from worldly wealth and return

my soul to simple ways.

HEART

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper

than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the

dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints

and marrow, and it is a discerner of thoughts and intents

of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Meditation

Am I ready to have my heart revealed by the scripture?

Affirmation

My heart is open to the powerful transforming word of God.

Prayer

Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy, as you reveal my heart.

HEART

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth

eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and

lofty place, with him also that is of a contrite and

humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and

to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:15

Meditation

How has the Spirit of the Lord revived my heart lately?

Affirmation

Humility revives my heart.

Prayer

Praise and thanksgiving are yours always Eternal God, for your love of humble people through your Son Jesus Christ.

MIND

The Lord hath been mindful of us:

he will bless us...

Psalms 115:12a

Meditation

What do I believe about the mind of God in relation to human beings?

Affirmation

Our past and future is in the mind of God.

Prayer

Lord God, may I humble myself enough to trust your mind more than my own.

SOUL

Obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves:

for they watch for your souls, as they that must

give account, that they may do it with joy,

and not with grief: for that is unprofitable to you.

Hebrews 13:17

Meditation

Let me think of the people who have guarded my soul, and consider expressing my gratitude.

Affirmation

I affirm authority figures who are beneficial to my soul.

Prayer

May I not cause grief to those who have my well-being in mind, for you sake, Lord Jesus.

HEART

A good man out of the good treasure of the

heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil

man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Matthew 12:35

Meditation

What is the good treasure of my heart today?

Affirmation

My heart remembers the good.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, my friend, thank you for dwelling in my heart so that I can love and receive love.

SOUL

By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul

loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. I will

rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and

in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul

loveth: I sought him, but found him not.

Song of Solomon 3:12

Meditation

Do the longings of my soul take me further from or closer to God?

Affirmation

My soul is longing for God moment by moment.

Prayer

All thanks and all praise are to you, Creator God, for friends and soul mates who bring me closer to you.

MIND

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep

with them that weep. Be of the same mind one

toward another. Mind not high things, but

condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise

in your own conceits.

Romans 12:15,16

Meditation

When lately have I been present for another in their joy or sorrow?

Affirmation

I let go of judgement and experience people where they are.

Prayer

Help me to let down and come down, Lord, where the experience of unity is for all people.

SOUL

And I will say to my soul, Soul thou has much goods

laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink,

and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this

night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall

those things be, which thou hast provided?

Luke 12:19,20

Meditation

What does the work of my soul have to do with ease, comfort and security in the future?

Affirmation

I attach my soul to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not to things.

Prayer

In Jesus' Name I pray to be ready, Father, when you call me home to you.

HEART

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give

unto you: not as the world giveth give I

unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Meditation

Will I take into my heart the gift that Jesus wants me to have?

Affirmation

I enjoy the gift of Jesus, peace in my heart.

Prayer

May I choose to remember your peace in my heart more often, precious Lord.

HEART

Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the

destruction of the daughters of my people. Mine eye

trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission,

till the Lord look down, and behold from heaven. Mine eye

affecteth my heart, because of all the daughters of my city.

Lamentations 3:48-51

Meditation

Will I stop to grieve the losses which are evident to me today? Will I allow myself to feel?

Affirmation

What I see affects my heart, and I let the tears come.

Prayer

Lord God, I wait for you when my heart is sad, and I give you all of my tears.

MIND

And it shall come to pass, when all these things

are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse,

which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call

them to mind...that then the Lord thy God will

turn thy captivity...

Deuteronomy 30: 1a,3a

Meditation

Will I use my mind to remember God's dominion over earth, nations, and over me?

Affirmation

I am freed by remembering God's loving actions.

Prayer

Thank you for the strength of mind to recall your love and actions. I praise you, our marvelous Creator, for faithful minds throughout history.

SOUL

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Luke 21:19

Meditation

How will my soul stay present today should conflict arise?

Affirmation

I receive patience for my soul from the Lord Jesus.

Prayer

Holy One, I pray to you today for patience in all difficulties; for you are my strength and my redeemer.

SOUL

With my soul have I desired

thee in the night...

Isaiah 26:9a

Meditation

In lonely times does my soul long for God?

Affirmation

My soul's longing is for the presence of God.

Prayer

Lord, when I pray to you, please know that with my whole soul I want to feel near you.

HEART

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place,

and forgive, and do, and give to every man

according to his ways, whose heart thou

knowest; for thou, even thou only, knowest

the hearts of all the children of men...

1 Kings 8:39

Meditaiton

Does this understanding of God as the Knower of Hearts relieve any burden for me?

Affirmation

God is working in every heart.

Prayer

Lord God, I see you as the Knower of Hearts and thank you for working throughout your creation, at the heart of everything.

SOUL

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou

mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

3John:2

Meditation

In my understanding how are health and a prospering soul related to one another?

Affirmation

I wish health and prosperity to all my loved ones.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive my lapses in prayer, and my inconstancy of well-wishing even for my loved ones.

HEART

And they said one to another (two of Jesus'

followers on the road to Emmaus), Did not our

hearts burn within us, while he talked with us

by the way, and while he opened to us the

scriptures?

Luke 24:32

Meditation

When have I had a heart response to Jesus lately?

Affirmation

I recognize the truth with my heart.

Prayer

I long for a heart connection with you, Creator God, and with Jesus Christ,

through the Holy Spirit.

MIND

Then they (the people of Gadara) went out to see

what was done: and came to Jesus, and found

the man, out of whom the devils were departed,

sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his

right mind: and they were afraid.

Luke 8:35

Meditation

How does this fear of the Lord resonate within me?

Affirmation

Demons flee from the presence of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer

May I sit quietly as by the feet of the Lord Jesus today and so receive peace of mind.