We have had a more than a week to worship the risen Savior! We were attuned to the sorrow of the Savior during Lent and more so during Holy Week. We celebrated the Resurrection with joy in our hearts. We had Easter egg hunts, feasts, family get-togethers…now it’s over.

We are back to the everyday grind. Our calendars keep us focused forward rather than inward. Our schedules keep us too busy to spend much time in  contemplation. We rush from thing to thing. At least I do!

God would have us “Be still and know I am God.” We have talked about this before. It  is  battle to be still. But this morning as I was feeling a bit frantic due to an over-filled schedule this week, I realized that I cannot really know God while rushing through life. His place is a place of stillness.

What does “still” mean? “remaining in place; free from noise; hushed; calm…

I have so little of that in my life. But I am trying to practice it more and more through “centering payer” or “prayer of Examen”. It’s just really a way to be more mindful of God throughout the day…

First I quiet myself by breathing deeply several times and remember I am in God’s presence.  2.) I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and imagination and begin to imagine Him being with me where I am.  3.) I think though my day – the good things, His grace and care.  Be thankful. 4.) Anything troubling me, I ask Him to hold it, keep it. 5.) Then I ask myself some questions: Where did I experience God the most today?, Where did I experience Him the least?, What am I most thankful for? 6.) Thank God for being with me and bless Him.

It is in practicing this that I am able to be still – I am a work in progress with a long way to go. But as I go back to the well to draw from Him, I am refreshed for the day ahead.