In this sermon, Brian G. Hedges explores the spiritual discipline of contemplation, defined as the soul’s deep “gaze on the beauty and glory of God,” as illustrated in Psalms 27 and 63. He argues that contemplation reorients the believer’s heart toward communion with God beyond mere activity or duty. He explains why this practice is essential: for inner transformation into Christlikeness, for deep spiritual satisfaction, and as preparation for the vision of God for eternity. Finally, he offers practical guidance on how to cultivate contemplation through desire, intention, focused attention, adoration, perseverance, and dependence on the Spirit — inviting listeners to incorporate this practice into their daily walk with God. Outline:

(9:05) 1. What Is Contemplation?

(22:00) 2. Why Do We Need It?

(29:28) 3. How Do We Practice It? Six ways:

• (29:56) Desire
• (33:12) Intention
• (35:05) Focus
• (37:03) Adoration
• (38:12) Perseverance
• (42:13) Dependence

(43:47) Conclusion

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

Download the sermon notes here.

Watch the video of this sermon here.

Redeemer.ch

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Psalm 86 calls believers to practice spiritual “recollection” — a disciplined, honest self-examination before God that gathers the fragments of our hearts and souls into wholeness. Brian Hedges shows how, through honesty about our needs and trust in God’s mercy, we can reorient from distraction, disorientation, and fragmentation toward clarity, unity, and intimacy with God. This message encourages regular reflection and soul-reconciling prayer so that our inner lives become grounded, integrated, and alive in God. Brian explores three main points:

(6:18) 1. The Need: To Know God and the Self

(12:45) 2. The Problem: Obstacles to this Knowing

(27:44) 3. The Solution: The Practice of Recollection

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

Download the sermon notes here.

Watch the video of this sermon here.

Redeemer.ch

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In this episode, Brian Hedges invites listeners to choose between two paths of life: one flourishing and rooted by streams of water, the other fragile and blown away like chaff—drawing on the vivid imagery of Psalm 1. He then focuses on the spiritual practice of Christian meditation—delighting in God’s instruction and engaging deeply with Scripture day and night. His sermon challenges believers to move beyond mere activity and busyness toward a disciplined, joy-filled way of life grounded in the Word of God. He breaks down the psalm into these components:

(8:12) 1. The Path

(15:46) 2. The Picture

(24:54) 3. The Practice

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

Download the sermon notes here.

Watch the video of this sermon here.

Redeemer.ch

Text Pastor Brian with questions or comments.