I recently published a series about identifying the challenges that get in the way of quieting our souls. And so I wanted to follow that up with some practical ways that I’ve been learning to commune with God in the everyday.
There is something sacred about quiet time in the traditional sense, however in some seasons of life, quiet moments grow less frequent than we’d like and we need practices that remind us to invite God to be with us in the chaos. The following practices have been helpful for me in that:
1. A Daily Centering Prayer
There is something significant about making space to listen to the truths God is speaking specifically to each of us and then reminding ourselves of them often. More than general words of grace and love, they are poignant words that draw us back from all the places where our minds and hearts are prone to wander. (I’ve written more about this practice here.)
2. Breath Prayers
Breath prayers have been a gift to me in motherhood, a way to unite the mind, body, and spirit through connecting our simplest prayers with our deep breaths in and out. (Their simplicity also translates well when praying with toddlers.) Sarah Bessey has written a really beautiful article about breath prayers including some examples of how to pray scripture using breath prayers, you can find that here.
3. Anchor Songs
I’ve created a playlist of songs that anchor me to the truth. They feel like a special collection of poems for my soul and they’ve been a helpful reset button to my days during nap times or on drives home. You’re welcome to borrow my playlist here or curate your own.
4. Memorizing Scripture
Honestly, there are times when the individualist in me rolls my eyes a little bit at this cliché spiritual wisdom. But there’s a reason for things become cliché. There is something powerful about meditating on truth so deeply that it becomes a part of who we are. In our busiest moments, we don’t have to have a Bible before us to remember who we are and who God is because we have disciplined ourselves to write the truth on our very hearts. (A few verses I’ve meditated on with little ones: Galatians 5:22-23, Deuteronomy 6:5, Psalm 28:7, Genesis 1:31, Revelation 21:5, Ephesians 3:19, Lamentations 2:22-23, John 1:16. If you follow any of those links you will find a reflection and a free printable to decorate or keep it simple and hang in a place you will see often.)
5. Gratitude/Good Lists
Many of the “truths” our culture attempts to convince us of are wrapped up in scarcity and wanting. The truths that God often speaks over our lives are of provision and satisfaction. Inspired by Erin Loechner’s use of #thegoodlist, I began keeping an ongoing list naming the good as a practice in presence when my child was born, hoping it would help to keep me awake to the goodness of each season. It has been therapeutic for me in many ways. It stills my wanting. It draws me to the present moment. It reminds me of God’s faithfulness, even in hard seasons. It helps me to quiet the voices of comparison. It reminds me of the joy of enough.
6. Bible Study
The Bible is unique in the way that it can speak new truth to the same person through each season of life. Biblical study can unfold through reading and listening, independent study and family study, small segments and overarching narratives.
7. Journaling
Writing has been a helpful way to distill my thoughts and desires. It’s a slowing process, an honest process that reveals where I need God to bring about transformation in me and my life. If stream of consciousness writing is challenging for you, using consistent check in questions can be helpful.
8. Meditating on the Attributes of God
There have been seasons of my life where a specific attribute of God is particularly significant to me. (God is the giver and sustainer of life. God is the provider of enough. God is light. God is the orderer of the chaos.) Remembering who God is helps to remind me of my own identity, since we have been created to bear God’s image. What are some of the attributes of God that have meant the most to you over the years?
9. Slowing/Margin
Simply slowing our pace and restoring margins to our days can help us to live less reactive lives and remember what is most important. A slower pace invites us to live more presently and living more presently tends to lead to deeper connection, greater contentment, and refreshing clarity.
