Here’s a summary of our Refresher Call on Meditation from October. We are trying to demystify Refresher Calls, and make you comfortable with the format. We hope that you join the next one, coming January 14th☺
Lana Runyan (of Koronis CFO in Minnesota) was the call leader and she started exactly on time. People joined the call at any time, mostly in the minutes on either side of hour. We had a total of 6 callers.
Lana read through the purposes of Meditation, as laid out in our CFOI guidelines. She also had some tips about how to make a good environment and create and hold a quiet space. Here they are:
• select a place as free as possible from noise, wind and interruption
• have a microphone available and know how to use it (PRACTICE)
• arrange the seating to best help the group achieve the purpose
• limit the entrance points to one
• station helpers to guide campers to enter quietly and move to the front (this should take place outside of the room or space)
• do not say “good morning” or anything else that would generate a verbal response
• (a simple “welcome to this morning’s meditation time. Let us get quiet and soak up the experience of God”)
• remind the group that there will be times of silence
Lana led us through a 15 minute meditation, reading a Psalm with space in between for silence. It was a beautiful Psalm about staying safe in the storm, which was perfect for that night, right as Hurricane Sandy was expected.
THE MEDITATION
1. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? (repeat) pause 30 sec.
2. The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? (repeat) pause 30 sec.
3. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion. (repeat) pause 1 min.
4. In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me. (repeat) pause 1 min.
5. Fear not for He has redeemed me and called me by name. I am His. (repeat) pause 1 min.
6. When I pass through the waters, He will be with me. The rivers shall not overflow me. (repeat) pause 1 1/2 min.
7. When I walk through the fire, I shall not be burned. (repeat) pause 1 1/2 min.
8. O, God, You are my God. Early will I seek You. (repeat) pause 2 min.
9. He will strengthen me. He will help me and uphold me with His righteous right hand. (repeat) pause 2 min.
10. Rejoice always! (repeat) pause 2 min.
11. Amen
After the meditation was over, Lana opened up the call for questions. Several people had questions and we all chimed in with answers and comments. Someone asked whether it was necessary to give the verse numbers during the meditation. Someone else asked about whether being inside or outside mattered for meditation.
We ended the call with a prayer spoken aloud.
The whole called lasted just 30 minutes, which felt like a perfect length.
Many commented how nice it was to have this time set aside for meditation and quiet in the midst of our busy days.
Our next call is January 14th, at 6 p.m. PST, 9 p.m. EST. Len Marinello will lead, on the topic of Prayer Groups. It will, in fact, be a prayer group. To join us in the call, dial 712-432-0075 (normal long-distance rates apply, or use free cell minutes). An automated message will prompt you to enter the PIN (699622) and then it will automatically connect you with those already on the call.
We hope to meet you on the phone soon!
