In the Pause

“A Prayer at the Start of the Day

Dear God, Help me stop, for I am likely to keep doing all the things I usually do. And in that stopping, meet me here, in the beauty of all Your incredible mercy and goodness. And in doing so, remind me again that of course You’re here, You’re listening, because that is who You are. You are the kindness that runs to find me wherever I have wandered off to. You are the faithfulness I don’t have enough of. You are my safe harbor in the midst of the storm. And in that quiet place, speak gently to me of what needs to change in order for Your freedom to free me, Your love to care through me, and Your faithfulness to strengthen me. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”— Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection 

In pauses scattered throughout the day, gaze deeply.
At attention, in the pocket of pause.
Stop checking the list, a break from doing to enter the gravity of mere being, of beauty, of blessings.
In quiet spaces and places, be held in awe and wonder.
A prayer for the start, middle and end of the day.
A blessing, a wish for ease, joy and light today amidst the “duties” of daily living.
In the pause, peace.

“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” – Saint Teresa of Avila