Prepare your heart for Easter as you meditate on Jesus’s actions and words from the Thursday before his crucifixion.



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Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies



The exact verses read in this podcast are printed in the guided Lent Journal for your use:

Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal

Prepare your heart for Easter as you meditate on Jesus’s actions and words from the Thursday before his crucifixion.
 
Download your free Lent journal here: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal">http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal</a>
 
You can find Jodie at <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com/</a>
Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/">https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/</a>
Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik">https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik</a>
 
Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies">http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies</a>
 
The exact verses read in this podcast are printed in the guided Lent Journal for your use:
Download your free Lent journal here: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal">http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal</a>

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.

Topics Covered:

📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice
📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It
📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent

If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, https://www.jodieniznik.com/ for more information! 

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.
Topics Covered:
📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice 📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It 📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent
If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/">https://www.jodieniznik.com/</a> for more information!

So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Maundy Thursday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 26:20-46)

In this Holy Saturday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Psalm 130:

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in His word I put my hope.”

Holy Saturday—sometimes called Silent Saturday—is the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection. Scripture tells us very little about this day. Jesus’s body lay in the tomb. The disciples were scattered. Grief, confusion, and doubt must have filled the air.

It must have felt like hope had been buried.

And yet… God was still at work.

Holy Saturday reminds us that there are moments in our own lives that feel unfinished. Prayers unanswered. Healing delayed. Restoration not yet visible. We find ourselves in the in-between space—waiting.

Psalm 130 gives language to that waiting. It begins with a cry from the depths. It acknowledges our need for mercy and forgiveness. And it ends with a declaration of hope:

“I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.”

In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to bring your own silent Saturday before God. Through slow readings of Psalm 130, you will be guided to cry out honestly, remember God’s forgiveness, and renew your hope as you wait.

Holy Saturday teaches us that silence does not mean absence. Waiting does not mean God is inactive.

Resurrection may not yet be visible—but it is coming.

Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here

I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus 

This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Learn more about Jodie:
http://www.jodieniznik.com

Follow on Instagram:
@jodieniznik

Follow on Facebook:
@JodieGNiznik

Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE

Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:

https://www.lifeaudio.com

 

Today’s Scripture

Psalms 130:1-6

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

In this Holy Saturday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Psalm 130:
&ldquo;I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.&rdquo;
Holy Saturday&mdash;sometimes called Silent Saturday&mdash;is the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection. Scripture tells us very little about this day. Jesus&rsquo;s body lay in the tomb. The disciples were scattered. Grief, confusion, and doubt must have filled the air.
It must have felt like hope had been buried.
And yet&hellip; God was still at work.
Holy Saturday reminds us that there are moments in our own lives that feel unfinished. Prayers unanswered. Healing delayed. Restoration not yet visible. We find ourselves in the in-between space&mdash;waiting.
Psalm 130 gives language to that waiting. It begins with a cry from the depths. It acknowledges our need for mercy and forgiveness. And it ends with a declaration of hope:
&ldquo;I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.&rdquo;
In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to bring your own silent Saturday before God. Through slow readings of Psalm 130, you will be guided to cry out honestly, remember God&rsquo;s forgiveness, and renew your hope as you wait.
Holy Saturday teaches us that silence does not mean absence. Waiting does not mean God is inactive.
Resurrection may not yet be visible&mdash;but it is coming.
Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/lent2026"> Here</a>
I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus&nbsp;
This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Learn more about Jodie: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com</a>
Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">@jodieniznik</a>
Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik/">@JodieGNiznik</a>
Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations,<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/stayintouch"> HERE</a>
Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:
<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a>
&nbsp;
Today&rsquo;s Scripture
Psalms 130:1-6
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive &nbsp; &nbsp; to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, &nbsp; &nbsp; Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness, &nbsp; &nbsp; so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, &nbsp; &nbsp; and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord &nbsp; &nbsp; more than watchmen wait for the morning, &nbsp; &nbsp; more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Holy Saturday Waiting in the Silence | Psalm 130:1-6

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/d4398626-ee2d-4080-94c3-b40301171d7a/transcript

In this Good Friday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s final words in John 19:28–30:

“It is finished.”

Good Friday is the most somber day on the Christian calendar. It is the day we remember that Jesus was crucified—that He endured rejection, humiliation, suffering, and death.

It would be easier to skip ahead to Easter. We know how the story ends. But there is no resurrection without the cross.

John tells us that Jesus knew His mission was now finished. After enduring the full weight of the crucifixion, He declared, “It is finished,” bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.

These are not words of defeat.
They are words of completion.
Of fulfillment.
Of love carried all the way through.

The cross exposes the cost of sin—but it also reveals the depth of God’s mercy. In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to sit at the cross, to reflect on Jesus’s final words, and to allow gratitude to rise in your heart.

Through several slow readings of John 19:28–30, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—holding both the weight of this day and the hope that we know is coming.

Good Friday reminds us that salvation was not accidental. It was accomplished.

Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here

I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus 

This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Learn more about Jodie:
http://www.jodieniznik.com

Follow on Instagram:
@jodieniznik

Follow on Facebook:
@JodieGNiznik

Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE

Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:

https://www.lifeaudio.com

Today’s Scripture

John 19:28-30

28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Music YouTube Code: Stephen Keech, Breathe the Free Air AM4EBX3W1IH7NAJB

In this Good Friday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus&rsquo;s final words in John 19:28&ndash;30:
&ldquo;It is finished.&rdquo;
Good Friday is the most somber day on the Christian calendar. It is the day we remember that Jesus was crucified&mdash;that He endured rejection, humiliation, suffering, and death.
It would be easier to skip ahead to Easter. We know how the story ends. But there is no resurrection without the cross.
John tells us that Jesus knew His mission was now finished. After enduring the full weight of the crucifixion, He declared, &ldquo;It is finished,&rdquo; bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.
These are not words of defeat. They are words of completion. Of fulfillment. Of love carried all the way through.
The cross exposes the cost of sin&mdash;but it also reveals the depth of God&rsquo;s mercy. In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to sit at the cross, to reflect on Jesus&rsquo;s final words, and to allow gratitude to rise in your heart.
Through several slow readings of John 19:28&ndash;30, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest&mdash;holding both the weight of this day and the hope that we know is coming.
Good Friday reminds us that salvation was not accidental. It was accomplished.
Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/lent2026"> Here</a>
I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus&nbsp;
This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Learn more about Jodie: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com</a>
Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">@jodieniznik</a>
Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik/">@JodieGNiznik</a>
Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations,<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/stayintouch"> HERE</a>
Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:
<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a>
Today&rsquo;s Scripture
John 19:28-30
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, &ldquo;I am thirsty.&rdquo; 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, &ldquo;It is finished!&rdquo; Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Music YouTube Code: Stephen Keech, Breathe the Free Air AM4EBX3W1IH7NAJB

Good Friday | It is Finished | John 19:28-30

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/862bee0e-116b-405e-85da-b40200f39055/transcript

In this Maundy Thursday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s words in John 18:1–8:

“I AM He.”

This moment takes place in the garden, just hours before the cross. The Passover meal has been shared. Jesus has washed His disciples’ feet. He has given them a new command—to love one another as He has loved them. After singing a hymn, they make their way to the Mount of Olives.

And then the soldiers arrive.

Torches.
Lanterns.
Weapons.

John tells us that Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, stepped forward and asked, “Who is it you want?”

When they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth,” He replied, “I AM He.”

At His words, they drew back and fell to the ground.

This is not a frightened man being seized in the dark. This is Jesus, fully aware, fully surrendered, and fully in control. He does not hide. He does not run. He steps forward.

In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to enter the garden through prayerful imagination. Through several slow readings of John 18:1–8, you will be guided to notice the scene, reflect on Jesus’s willing surrender, and rest in the truth that His sacrificial love was intentional.

Maundy Thursday reminds us that love is not passive. It steps forward. It surrenders. It trusts the Father, even in the dark.

As we prepare our hearts for Good Friday, we pause here—at the edge of the cross—remembering that Jesus went willingly.

Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Throughout Lent, a brief guided prayer will be released each Wednesday to help you pause midweek and prayerfully reset your focus on Jesus.

Here are some additional helpful links:

Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here

I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus 

This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Learn more about Jodie:
http://www.jodieniznik.com

Follow on Instagram:
@jodieniznik

Follow on Facebook:
@JodieGNiznik

Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE

Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:

https://www.lifeaudio.com

 

Today’s Scripture

John 18:1–8 (NIV)

1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden,and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

 

Music YouTube Code: Stephen Keech, Occasion YELKPZLMXQKGOTYW

In this Maundy Thursday meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus&rsquo;s words in John 18:1&ndash;8:
&ldquo;I AM He.&rdquo;
This moment takes place in the garden, just hours before the cross. The Passover meal has been shared. Jesus has washed His disciples&rsquo; feet. He has given them a new command&mdash;to love one another as He has loved them. After singing a hymn, they make their way to the Mount of Olives.
And then the soldiers arrive.
Torches. Lanterns. Weapons.
John tells us that Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, stepped forward and asked, &ldquo;Who is it you want?&rdquo;
When they answered, &ldquo;Jesus of Nazareth,&rdquo; He replied, &ldquo;I AM He.&rdquo;
At His words, they drew back and fell to the ground.
This is not a frightened man being seized in the dark. This is Jesus, fully aware, fully surrendered, and fully in control. He does not hide. He does not run. He steps forward.
In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to enter the garden through prayerful imagination. Through several slow readings of John 18:1&ndash;8, you will be guided to notice the scene, reflect on Jesus&rsquo;s willing surrender, and rest in the truth that His sacrificial love was intentional.
Maundy Thursday reminds us that love is not passive. It steps forward. It surrenders. It trusts the Father, even in the dark.
As we prepare our hearts for Good Friday, we pause here&mdash;at the edge of the cross&mdash;remembering that Jesus went willingly.
Download your FREE companion journal for I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus. This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Throughout Lent, a brief guided prayer will be released each Wednesday to help you pause midweek and prayerfully reset your focus on Jesus.
Here are some additional helpful links:
Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/lent2026"> Here</a>
I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus&nbsp;
This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Learn more about Jodie: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com</a>
Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">@jodieniznik</a>
Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik/">@JodieGNiznik</a>
Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations,<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/stayintouch"> HERE</a>
Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:
<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a>
&nbsp;
Today&rsquo;s Scripture
John 18:1&ndash;8 (NIV)
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden,and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, &ldquo;Who is it you want?&rdquo;
5 &ldquo;Jesus of Nazareth,&rdquo; they replied.
&ldquo;I am he,&rdquo; Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, &ldquo;I am he,&rdquo; they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, &ldquo;Who is it you want?&rdquo;
&ldquo;Jesus of Nazareth,&rdquo; they said.
8 Jesus answered, &ldquo;I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Music YouTube Code: Stephen Keech, Occasion YELKPZLMXQKGOTYW

Maundy Thursday I AM He | John 18:1-8

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/d5a70db0-cc22-4a03-9db6-b40101668e35/transcript

Maundy Thursday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 26:20-46)

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