The Power of the Word
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Chris Johnson, RScP, and musicians Marsh Brodeur and Dalton Fitzgerald.
Video Chapter Index
| 0:00 | Taizé | Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner:  To cast the video to your Smart TV, click the Play on TV button:  . Also, we now have Closed Captioning available! To access Closed Captions, start the video and click on the CC icon next to the gear in the lower right of the video screen:  |
| 19:06 | Guided Meditation | |
| 46:38 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Chris – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystical Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, tracing the common threads of Truth that run through the world’s spiritual traditions. I trust that this morning will lead you to the Guidance and Wisdom that lie within your own Mystic Heart.
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Namasté, written by Eric Hansen
Rev. Diana – Settling into this sacred moment, we breathe, allowing the Presence of Spirit, to fill our being, grounding us in the here and now…allowing every out breath to be an offering of Peace. In the Silence, breathing in Presence, breathing out Peace…(Pause)
We share this time of reflection…making time for prayer and meditation, opening ourselves to the Voice of Spirit…giving ourselves this most precious gift of stillness…(Pause)
Together, we feel and know our connection with all of Life. We envision a web of consciousness…a Holy Presence that surrounds, contains, and infuses all that is…that expresses as all of creation…each of us, a point of Radiant Light in that web. Every human…every creature…the plants and the soil that give them Life…all shimmering with the Light of Spirit…the rocks and minerals…water and wind…all that lies below, and the forever nature of what we know as above… All of Life, aglow with One Radiant Light. We take a moment to sense, feel, and know that we are connected to All That Is…
As human expressions of the Divine, we are caretakers, in Sacred Service to one another…to all life forms…and to the planet that sustains us all.
We trust and know that we are leaving an imprint of Peace on the world…a ripple of Compassion that Comforts all who are in need. Wholeness is being revealed here and now as we join hearts and minds.
This month we are considering what it means to See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, and this morning, we’ll be spending time in contemplation of The Power of the Word to bring Peace.
The world is in need of Peace…our countries, cities, and homes…in fact, our very minds, seek Peace. Peace is much more than the absence of war or conflict. As Nehru said, “Peace is not a relationship of nations; it is a condition of mind brought about by serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.” How do we become peaceful people with serenity of soul? By committing to be peaceful in our thoughts, words, and actions.
We tend to think of Peace as a goal to be achieved after the struggle is over. But the author of the Gospel of Luke suggests a different vision of Peace. Instead of a destination, he sees a path of Peace. When we affirm our oneness with the Christ Consciousness, our inner Light guides our feet onto the path of Peace. Peace becomes the state of heart and mind in which we meet our human struggles. This is the Peace that passeth understanding.
Buddhist Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, in his book entitled Peace is Every Step, invites us to consider that, “Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.”
The spiritual masters throughout the ages have called us to return to the deep inner Peace of Spirit that is forever present and available within us. We are told that we possess the ability to access this divine gift at any moment we desire. We need only guide our thoughts back…Peace, Be Still. (Pause)
It is only by finding Peace within that my words can become instruments of Peace. We call to mind the ancient Sarum Prayer, “God be in my head, and in my Understanding…God be in my eyes, and in my looking…” As I contemplate this line, I have to wonder…in my day-to-day life, what am I looking for? What am I expecting to see? For surely, whatever I am looking for, I will find.
We tend to see with the eyes of our analytical and judging mind. When I see with the eyes of the heart, I engage in a real form of looking. I see you as your Best Self…I see me as my Best Self. God be in my eyes, and in my looking…fill my mind and my eyes with expectations of goodness, kindness, generosity, and Light. Then will I see the Goodness in myself, other people and the world. And finally, “God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.”
“This capacity of ours for speech, for uttering an aural code that transplants thoughts from one private mind to another, is a marvel.” (God Be in My Mind, Ken Wilson) Speaking is more than a skill. It’s a gift of our humanity, and a reflection of the One whose image we are. It is a powerful creative force. We can use speech to build up or tear down, to demonstrate loyalty or betrayal. God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.
Sometimes it is our lack of speaking that shows betrayal…our lack of courage to speak Truth to Power that leads to destruction. It was Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.
Chris – Guided Meditation
St. Francis of Assisi prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your Peace…” guide my thoughts… my words… my actions… that they may sow the seeds of Peace, Compassion, and Love… “Where there is hatred, let me sow Love…” Help me to respond with lovingkindness… even to angry words…
“Where there is injury, let me sow pardon…” may I always forgive those who hurt me… they know not what they do… “Where there is doubt, let me sow faith…” encourage my trust in Divine Goodness despite appearances… “Where there is despair, let me sow the seeds of hope…” May I never give up on people…
“Where there is darkness, let me shine your light; where there is sadness, may I inspire joy…” make me a beacon of Divine joy and wisdom… “Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console… to be understood as to understand… to be loved as to love…” Let me always bestow on others all that I desire for myself…
“For it is in giving that we receive…” our generosity always returns to us… “it is in pardoning that we are pardoned…” when we forgive others, we practice self-forgiveness as well… “and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life…” as we stop participating in the world of greed, anger, and violence, Heaven is revealed on Earth…
St. Francis understood that Spirit works through human hands… through our hearts… through the power of our words… and through our acts of kindness and compassion… If there is to be Peace on Earth, we must give it birth… As we share our three minutes of Sacred Silence this morning, I invite you to imagine yourself as an instrument of Peace… of Love… of Compassion… of Faith… of Forgiveness… How would it feel for your every thought, word, and action to inspire greater Peace in your world?…
Silence – 3:00
Divine Beloved… Great Spirit, thank you for this time of blessed communion with you and with these beautiful souls worshipping with me… Thank you for the guidance and inspiration that you continually offer us… May we always have the intuition to hear your still small voice… and the courage to fully accept your guidance…
For an instrument to be made, metal must be heated and hammered into a new shape… wood must be cut, steamed and bent… or hollowed out and drilled… before it can be used to make music…When we ask Spirit to make us an instrument of Peace, we must be ready to be transformed… in ways only God knows…
Returning now to Rev. Diana’s Taizé meditation, we listen for the voice of the Divine as it inspires her words… and as Spirit whispers its response within us… We center ourselves in Peace… anchored there by The Power of the Word…
Rev. Diana – One of the very deepest of human longings is the desire for Peace…Peace of mind…Peace in our relationships…Peace in our homes and our neighborhoods…Peace among nations…World Peace can only come when we all cease from inner conflict…
Inner peace and harmonious relations need to be cultivated…We may begin by holding this prayer as our intention and invitation…God be in my eyes… help me to look and see through appearances and behaviors…guide me to the place of Namasté. Peace begins when we expect to see the Divine Essence in others…even when they are unkind, we remember who they really are… and wonder, “What has hurt you so much that you react with such hate and anger?…”
Our prayer continues…God be in my mouth…may I endeavor always to speak with compassion…to the soul of others…to the Sacred Spirit that is their True Nature. Rather than using my words to defend my pride, may I speak to our common heritage…our Divine Kinship…our essential unity…Spirit, may I respond with compassion for all…
Speaking Peace into our relationships requires Seeing through the eyes of the Heart…we cannot respond appropriately if we do not See accurately… God be in my eyes and in my mouth… let me perceive the Truth of this person… and let my response improve upon the silence…
Closing Prayer – We close our Taizé this morning allowing ourselves to settle into That Which is Eternal… I begin with the entire Sarum Prayer.
God be in my head — and in my understanding
Spirit, Guide my thoughts to those of true understanding.
God be in my eyes — and in my looking
May I always assume highest intent and look for the Divinity in another.
God be in my mouth — and in my speaking
May my words and tone be used to lift up, never to tear down…and may they promote Peace in my relationships, and in the world.
God be in my heart — and in my thinking
Creator of all that is, may my heart remain forever open…informing my thoughts so that they question rather than criticize…allowing me to practice True Compassion.
God be at my end — and in my departing.
And when this lifetime comes to an end, may I have been a beneficial presence on the planet, loving well and lifting many. May I have known the Sacredness of life…
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Musical Meditation
- Holy, Holy, Holy, written by Diana Johnson, text by Ernest Holmes
Acknowledging One Source, One Life, forever giving of Itself as all of Creation…
Trusting in our own perfection as an expression of the One…
Feeling and knowing our Connection with one another, and with All That Is…
Trusting in the Eternal Nature of Life, the Eternal Nature of Spirit…
Giving thanks for this beautiful fall season, and its reminders…to slow down, pay attention, breathe, enjoy…
Giving thanks for the Guidance of Spirit, for this loving Community, for this welcoming space, and for all of the many ways it is supported…
Giving thanks for the Grace that showers each of us with blessings every day, in every moment…every breath, every heartbeat…a gift…
I Joyfully and gratefully receive, releasing my prayer, trusting in the Power of Spirit, and the Power of my Word…calling it Good and calling it done…
And So It Is! Amen!
I invite you to bring your awareness back to your body…notice the atmosphere in the room, and when you feel ready, gently open your eyes and allow your gaze to take in whatever is before you. Feel free to look around and say good morning to everyone who is here celebrating with you this morning. This is your Spiritual Family…one of your support systems. These are some of the people who care about you and are there for.
Rev. Diana – Love Offering
As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do should you choose to do so.
If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org.
We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.
As we support our Mystic Heart Gathering Place with our gifts, we acknowledge that before we can step into our next yet to be, we have to walk away from our old ways. Marsh, do you have a song to share this morning?
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Offertory Music
- I Walk Away, written by Eddie Watkins, Jr.
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
- State of the Heart Gathering Invitation
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Closing Song
- A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Chris – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Good morning and welcome, or welcome back…if you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director for Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, following the Common Threads of Truth that run through the world’s traditions. I pray that this morning you are discovering the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- Wholly Holy Way
Rev. Diana – One way we can serve in a Wholly Holy Way is to join in the Sacred Practice of envisioning a Love-Soaked World.
And so we enter the imaginal realm together…that space of Infinite Potential, where Spirit and matter are working together, turning all things to Good. Go with me now to find yourself in a world where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity…their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…
This is a world without greed…where there is abundance in having enough…where all needs are met gracefully and easily…where nutritious food, clean water and air are readily available to all, no matter where you live, the color of your skin, or which family you’re born into…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…
Ours is a world where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, honesty, and Wholeness…where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness.
Authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed but celebrated. The Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference. The Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love. We have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves.
By the Power of our collective intention, imagining, and inspired action, we have undergone an amazing transformation…we are living in a world that works for all beings. Giving no power to appearances, we live according to our highest aspirations…we do not lower our Vision no matter what the world may say. We are at Peace with our families, friends, neighbors, and other nations.
As we Gracefully step into a new story for humanity and the planet, this Community stands as an open and welcoming space for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family…it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love.
Giving thanks for the Beauty of our world and trusting that a prayer powerfully spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, my Word is acted upon here and now. In full Acceptance and great Joy, and with the deepest humility, I release this Prayer to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!
Bringing awareness back to the body, to the room, to this beautiful life, and to the amazing beings who share this space with us this morning…
Welcome back. Doesn’t that feel good? We just shifted the energy for the entire planet. Our prayer is rippling out into the race consciousness, doing its Good Work. And there’s nothing that anyone can do about it…a loving act of defiance.
Today we continue our theme in Conscious Conversation: The Power of the Word. If you were here at Taizé, you’ll remember what we spent time in reflection, hearing the words of Jawaharlal (juh·waa·hr·laal nay·roo) Nehru, Buddhist Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, and thoughts from the book of Luke in the Christian Scripture. Basically, the message was that the spiritual masters throughout the ages have called us to return to the deep inner Peace of Spirit that is forever present and available within us…that it is only by finding Peace within that my words can become instruments of Peace. We called to mind the ancient Sarum Prayer, “God be in my head, and in my Understanding…God be in my eyes, and in my looking…”
As I contemplate this line, I have to wonder…in my day-to-day life, what am I looking for? What am I expecting to see? For surely, whatever I am looking for, I will find. We tend to see with the eyes of our analytical and judging mind. When I see with the eyes of the heart, I engage in a real form of looking. I see you as your Best Self…I see me as my Best Self. God be in my eyes, and in my looking…fill my mind and my eyes with expectations of goodness, kindness, generosity, and Light. Then will I see the Goodness in myself, other people and the world. And finally, “God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.”
Author Ken Wilson says, “This capacity of ours for speech, for uttering an aural code that transplants thoughts from one private mind to another, is a marvel.” (God Be in My Mind, Ken Wilson)
Speaking is more than a skill. It’s a gift of our humanity, and a reflection of the One whose image we are. It is a powerful creative force. We can use speech to build up or tear down, to demonstrate loyalty or betrayal. God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.
Sometimes it is our lack of speaking that shows betrayal…our lack of courage to speak Truth to Power that leads to destruction. It was Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.
I’d like to use the Sarum Prayer as a jumping off point for our conversation this morning. Let’s begin with Clear Sight and maybe explore how the refraining from speaking can sometimes be more destructive than speaking.
What does having Clear Sight mean to you?
(To have clear sight, we need clean lenses…what are we expecting to see?
Do our expectations cloud or color our vision?
In general, do you have faith in the world as a life-giving, loving and supportive place?
Think to yourself for a moment…what do you expect of other people? Other drivers on the road…family members…our current government?
Will that color what you experience?
Okay, let’s move onto Kind Words. We all know that words are powerful…that they can build up or tear down…demonstrate loyalty or betrayal. And we know the importance of choosing our words carefully. We’re not going to revisit that subject today. What I’m really interested in sharing is this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Sit that for just a moment. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
What does that mean to you? (Sometimes it is important to speak up, even when…especially when…it’s difficult. Sometimes we are doing harm by not speaking up.)
Are there times when it is our responsibility to speak Truth to Power?
What are some situations in which we have that responsibility?
What are some of the results of not doing so?
The prophets of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, and the mystics of all traditions throughout time have spoken Truth to power. I believe there are prophets and mystics out there speaking now.
Why do we hesitate? (It’s risky. It’s scary. We might be crucified, verbally or socially, if not literally. People might not like us. We might not be popular.)
If we’re hesitant, what are some of the ways that we can begin to speak Truth gradually, gently? (Maybe Faith is a way of moving ourselves through the questions and uncertainty and into a place where we can plant our feet and stand in Faith.)
What a great conversation!
Is there anything else that wants to be spoken right now?
Closing Prayer
Join me in knowing that…
God is the only Thing going on here. Each of us Spirit expressing. That never changes, no matter what. So I give thanks for all the Goodness…I give thanks for this spiritual community…I give thanks for the Infinite Flow of Blessings that surrounds each of us in every moment.
As I move into my week, I choose to See No Evil and Hear No Evil, and to remember The Power of My Word. I know this means adjusting my expectations…slowing down…really tuning in to what is before me…and counting my blessings.
I trust the Spirit of Love to lead the way…the Spirit of Peace to fill my heart and mind…and the Spirit of Kindness to soften my every thought, word, tone, and action. I Am grateful for my deep faith…for the constancy of Spirit, and the power of prayer I am so grateful for this sacred community in which we grow together.
I give thanks for the countless blessings that shower our lives every day and know that as we open our hearts and minds more and more often to the One, the blessings are multiplied again and again. Feeling absolutely full in this moment, I release this prayer in deep faith that a prayer powerfully spoken and deeply felt, is a prayer answered.
I stand in humble expectation, trusting that everything that follows this moment is answered prayer. I let it be… And so it is. Amen.
I invite you to bring your awareness back to your body, to your senses, to the atmosphere in the room. And when you are ready, open your eyes to re-enter the space. Welcome back.
Love Offering
As we close our time in Conversation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.
We also have a Gracious Giving Program for those who would like to make a heartfelt monthly commitment of support so that we can more effectively plan for our growth.
We’d like to offer a powerful song that leads the way to a more Peaceful World.
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Offertory Music
- Walk Away, written by Karl Anthony
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
Chris – Invitations
- The Mystic Heart Book Club meets every Tuesday from 3-5 We are currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
- This Wednesday, from 11am – 1pm, we’re continuing the study of the Bhagavad Gita; The Gita is an on-going drop-in book study.
- Fast Track to Wellness meets every Thursday from 11:30 to 1:30 pm.
Looking Ahead…
- November 1, there will be a Mystic OAKS trip to McCloud Falls, 9:00am to 3:00ish. Does Chris N want to say anything? We have flyers available.
- There will be a Gratitude Dinner and State of the Heart Gathering on Friday, November 14th from 6-8 pm. This is a time for Rev. Diana and Chris to serve the community dinner as a Thank You for all the ways we contribute to the growth and success of Mystic Heart. It is a time to share where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. It is also a time for us to share our feedback. There is more information in the October Bulletin. Please RSVP to Rev. Diana if you plan to attend.
Looking Way Ahead…If Rev. Cat is here, invite her to announce this one.
- Rev. Cat Cox will be presenting a Dream Workshop on Saturday, December 6th from 10am – 12:30 pm. Again, there are more details in the Bulletin, and online.
There is more information available in the new October Bulletin. Remember to take one home with you. Or check online at MysticHeart.org.
Information Cards ONLY if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in the Practitioner Prayer room or if you like, fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Rev. Diana, Chris, Marsh, & Dalton – Closing Song
- Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP, & Gary Lynn Floyd
©2025 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.