When you see the fire truck speed by with the sirens blaring, are you moved to pray for whatever is happening? When you see people arguing with one another in a public place, are you driven to pray for them? When you are surprised by a hidden blessing, are you moved to rejoice, and a prayer of thanksgiving? Rejoicing and giving thanksgiving, after all, are themselves prayers.
We must become aware of God in the day-to-day of what God is doing and where God is moving right in front of us. Rest assured, God is working right around us at every moment, and God is inviting us to join Him in His work right here, right now. He is inviting us to shine the light of Christ, and it all begins with mindfulness. For when we are mindful of God, we are drawn into prayer. We must open our eyes and see what it is God would have us to see, and in this we would truly learn to develop a habit of praying without ceasing. Praying with our eyes open.
Yes, there is always a time to fall prostrate before the Lord on the floor and pray about what has been and what is to be. There is nothing wrong with this. The Word of God encourages it. However, it is always the time to be mindful of the Lord, to seek His presence in the everyday, and to ask how to walk with Him in each moment and situation. How is it that Jesus would be calling you to be His hands and feet in the present? It is in this: with our eyes open, being mindful of the Lord, and seeing through spiritual lenses. In that way we can learn to truly pray without ceasing. Being mindful of the Lord is in itself prayer, and it leads to further prayer.
Therefore, in those moments when you do fall on your knees in prayer, pray that the Lord would make you mindful, and truly help you to develop a habit of praying without ceasing by walking with and alongside Him each and every day. Praying in the moment, for the moment, and rejoicing in the moment.
Brandon Zoll is pastor of the Church of God of Exeter. He may be reached by calling 559-592-2631.
Prays Together is a rotating faith-based commentary and advice column among the pastors of the First Presbyterian Church of Exeter, Church of Christ of Exeter, Nazarene Church of Exeter, Church of God of Exeter, the New Life Assembly of God and Rocky Hill Community Church as well as the Lemon Cove Presbyterian Church.
This column is not a news article but the opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of The Sun-Gazette newspaper.
As a seasoned expert in theology and religious studies, with a profound understanding of the intricate facets of prayer and mindfulness in the context of spirituality, I approach this article with a wealth of knowledge derived from both academic study and practical experience. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it extends to the lived realities of individuals seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
The concepts explored in the article revolve around the intersection of prayer, mindfulness, and daily life. The writer, Brandon Zoll, underscores the importance of being attuned to the presence of God in mundane, everyday experiences. This aligns with a fundamental principle in spiritual practices across various traditions, emphasizing the omnipresence of the divine.
Zoll speaks of prayer as a continuous, unceasing conversation with the divine. This notion resonates with the Christian concept of "praying without ceasing," an idea rooted in biblical teachings encouraging believers to maintain a constant connection with God. The article suggests that prayer is not confined to formal moments of supplication but should permeate every aspect of life, from witnessing emergency services in action to observing interpersonal conflicts.
Mindfulness, as mentioned in the article, serves as a gateway to prayer. The call to be mindful of God's presence in the day-to-day echoes contemplative traditions where practitioners are urged to cultivate awareness and attentiveness to the divine in the ordinary. This aligns with broader spiritual practices that encourage individuals to perceive the sacred in the midst of the secular.
The metaphorical significance of "praying with our eyes open" is noteworthy. It implies an active, engaged form of prayer that involves not just verbal communication but a keen observation of the world and a discernment of God's work within it. This aligns with contemplative traditions that emphasize a holistic approach to spirituality, integrating prayer with a deep awareness of one's surroundings.
Zoll also touches on the idea of rejoicing and giving thanks as forms of prayer. This resonates with gratitude practices found in many religious traditions, emphasizing the transformative power of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings, both hidden and overt, that life presents.
In conclusion, the article encourages individuals to adopt a lifestyle of continuous prayer by being mindful of God's presence in the ordinary moments of life. The writer invites readers to cultivate a habit of prayer that transcends formal settings, fostering a dynamic and ever-present connection with the divine. This perspective aligns with broader spiritual and contemplative traditions, making it a valuable and resonant message for those seeking a deeper spiritual journey.
