One of the things centering prayer continues to teach me is this:
Life is happening in the present moment.
But so often…
we are somewhere else.
We worry about the future.
We replay the past.
And because of that, we miss what is right in front of us.
The conversation we are having.
The task before us.
The blue sky.
The trees.
The birds.
The warmth of the sun.
Sometimes I notice how easy it is to be physically present somewhere…
while mentally somewhere else entirely.
Scrolling.
Checking texts.
Thinking ahead.
Rehearsing what I’m going to say next instead of truly listening.
I recorded a short video reflection on this. You can watch it below.
Just as we return to our sacred word during silence…
we can also return throughout the day.
Back to the present moment.
Back to the presence of God.
We cannot change the past.
It is over.
We cannot control the future.
It has not happened yet.
But we can be present now.
We can give ourselves fully to what this moment requires.
Listening to a friend.
Working on a task.
Enjoying a walk outside.
Reading a great novel.
Petting our dog.
Savoring a cup of coffee.
Watching a favorite show with someone we love.
Small moments become sacred when we are truly present to them.
God is in the present.
And more and more, I’m learning that this is where peace is found too.
Am I present?
Are you?
If you would like to slow down, sit quietly, and become more aware of God’s presence, I created a free guide to help you begin centering prayer.
It is simple, practical, and designed for anyone who is new to the practice—or wants to begin again.
