Finding God in the Ordinary
Greetings!
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
As we wait for the day when we can worship again in the sanctuary at church, we are all receiving a crash course in encountering God in the ordinary places in life. Monks and nuns have been doing this for centuries, but most of us have never done it before. I was recently talking with someone who said that in these strange times, they have felt closest to God while exercising. And it made me think that perhaps many of you are also encountering God in new and different ways. How do we grow these new connections with God? How do we focus on God’s presence with us in the ordinary places and ordinary activities of life?
By being intentional. For example, if you feel closest to God during exercise, start and end the workout with a prayer and a Scripture verse. You could pray, “O God, I dedicate this workout to you. Please be with me. Open my heart and mind to your presence and what you have to say to me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” The Scripture verse at the top of this message is a good one to start with. You could read it at the beginning of your activity, or throughout (For example: for sit-ups, think about whatever is true; for push-ups, think about whatever is honourable; etc.). Then when you finish, you can pray, “Dear God, thank you for your presence with me during my workout. Help me to be aware of your presence throughout the other activities in my day. Help me to walk in your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
God sees each one of us, cares for each one of us, and is present with each one of us. In these strange times, where do you feel closest to God? What activities open your mind and heart to God’s presence with you? Cooking? Doing the dishes? Walking the dog? I encourage each of you to pray about this and to begin to approach those activities with intentionality. May God bless you as you grow in faith.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Sarina