Before we begin our meditation today, I want to introduce our guest host today, my nephew, Cassen Schultz. Cassen is a freshman in High School, he loves music and has a heart for Jesus. I am excited to share this opportunity to serve.

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Cassen and it’s awesome to be here with you today.
Today is March 25.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Father, draw me close.”
As you exhale, pray: “Teach me to pray like Jesus.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
Simon (whom he named Peter),
Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).  (Luke 6:12–16, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase or truth that speaks directly to you?

Reread

See Jesus on the mountain through the night, praying, and then calling the twelve at daybreak.
 

Meditate

Before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus spends the whole night in prayer. The decision is important; these men will share His life and carry His mission. Jesus doesn’t rush—He listens, lingers, and seeks the Father’s will.
Then He calls and names them: ordinary people with different backgrounds and personalities, including Judas Iscariot, who will later betray Him. None of this surprises Jesus; He moves forward in obedience to the Father’s plan.
If Jesus sought the Father so intensely before making decisions, how much more do we need to root our choices in prayer.
Take a moment to reflect on this question:
What decision or relationship in my life right now needs more unhurried prayer and listening with the Father?

Respond

Jesus, thank You for showing me what it looks like to depend on the Father in prayer.
Forgive me for the times I’ve rushed into decisions without really seeking You.
Teach me to slow down and listen before I choose, speak, or act.

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
*Habit: Carpool Karaoke Worship *
Listening to music while you are driving somewhere is a time-honored tradition, as is singing along to a favorite song. Today, make your commute a time for worship. Pick out a worship playlist and sing along in worship to God.
It doesn’t matter how you sound; what matters is that your heart turns toward God.
As you sing, remember that Jesus prayed through the night, and let your song be a small echo of His devotion.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.