Be with God
Rebecca Cummings of Avon, NY, USA
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and behold
the face of God? -Psalm 42:1-2
Lent is making ourselves open and available to meet with God. It is about going into the desert and being with God. This scripture doesn’t call us to go into the desert, but it does remind us of the importance of time with God. It does remind us that our souls yearn to be close to God; we thirst for that connection and closeness to a living God who loves and cares for us. It also speaks to our busy lives and how finding time to be with God can be difficult if we don’t intentionally make the time. It is up to us to make that time. God is there, anytime, anywhere. Sometimes we just have to be creative and come up with ways to connect.
There are many ways to connect with God in our busy lives. We can download a scripture app on our phones and get a daily scripture. We can leave an open Bible out and read a few passages while passing through. We can use a mealtime blessing to talk to God about what is happening in our day. We can listen to scriptures or a biblical teaching while riding in the car. We can take a prayer walk through our neighborhoods or talk to God during a walk around the neighborhood. There are so many more ways to be in God’s presence while in nature, while the kids are playing, or while waiting on someone or something.
Be creative in finding ways to be with God, to welcome God into your home. Don’t just thirst for God’s presence, but also find a way to spend time with God. Lent is about the journey and what changes us as we leave the desert. Being with God-that is what changes us. Be with God.
Prayer Phrase
I surrender into your love.
Spiritual Practice
Centering Prayer
Set a timer for 20 minutes. (If that feels like too much at first, choose a time that will be comfortable for you as a starting place, committing to expand that time in future prayer.) Allow the rhythm of your breath to draw you deeper and deeper into silence. As you breathe, claim one sacred word (Christ, peace, grace, trust, etc.) emerging in you as an anchor to return you to the intention of your prayer when your thoughts begin to wander. Gently release the thoughts and images that come, making space for presence to the One who is with you here and now. Release, return, “be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b).
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
