Do you ever stop to think about God? Sometimes life goes so fast, we don’t even notice it, but many times the important things are the most subtle. If you can, look outside your window, or later take a walk in the light of the sun. It’s springtime, and while it is a bit brisk at the time of this writing, I am going to hopefully assume that by the time of publication the weather is beautiful, warm, and sunny- or maybe it’s in the middle of a terrifying torrential rainstorm. These scenarios can be a springboard to meditate on God. In this Easter season, Christ rose from the dead, bringing life and light to all of creation. Look and see how nature itself reflects this in all the flowers starting to bloom and the animals waking from their winter-long sleep. Even that rainstorm, which may seem so ugly to us now, may shadow the Crucifixion. Without the rain, there is no possibility of life blooming, and similarly, without the Crucifixion, there is no possibility of resurrection.
“Great,” You might say, “but what on earth does this have to do with discernment?” Here’s what I’m trying to get at: a prayer life is essential to any sort of discernment. A call from God is not going to be audible or understood if the ears aren’t there to listen to it.
It may be intimidating, outside looking in at a more developed prayer life. When I first entered seminary, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the seemingly intensive prayer schedule. On the contrary, I found that I really enjoyed the time set aside for prayer; I was able to bring all aspects of my life before God, and see how they can help me to grow to love Him more- and to realize His love for me in those things.
Remember, it’s not like the only option is to jump head first into the deep-end to the prayer pool. God understands that you have a busy life and that you can’t spend five hours in private prayer at church every day.
What can you do? This is something I can’t answer, because this is between you and God. I can give some suggestions based on my own personal experience, however, and although this is in no way exhaustive, I hope it can help to fuel your own ideas: For one, it may be helpful to pray in the car. Most of us have to drive rather frequently, and so repeating a recited prayer while driving may be helpful. I not saying you always have to sit in silence every time you head off to work or school, just maybe turn down the radio dial enough to be hear your own self as well. Another idea might be to pray before you go to sleep. Again, just something quick like three “Hail Mary” prayers. It’s a great way to end the day, to give the last moments to God. Even that little exercise at the beginning of this post can work as a starting point for mental prayer. Take a few minutes to see how God fits into your life.
I guarantee that whatever time you give to God, he will reward you that much more in the rest of the day, because you will be more attuned to his will. It’s springtime, now is as good as ever to begin walking in the light of the Son.
Patrick Erdmann
Latest posts by Patrick Erdmann (see all)
- Faith and Trust - October 24, 2017
- The Star of the Sea - March 1, 2017
- The Days of our Lives - October 5, 2016
