Mindfulness has acquired some negative, New Agey connotations. But we might feel more positive about it if we can perceive its usefulness in helping us to be more present to our lives, and aware of God’s presence with us, as exemplified by Brother Lawrence and suggested in the prayer below.
Lord,
Help me to savour the seconds, marvel over the minutes, hang on to the hours, deepen my appreciation of the days, welcome the fresh start opportunity of a new week, and not mind the way that months and years seem to slip away like sand in an hourglass.
Grant me a rested, stilled soul with a central focus on living out your purpose and goals. Enable me to quieten myself before you, before the holy wonder of each day, before every task I might pursue, and before night closes a curtain on the hours and silver stars break through.
Instil a deep well of gratitude inside this often thankless heart and mind. May I lean more towards compassion and kindness than selfishness. Help me learn to honour your life, your essence and presence in others, and seek to support and encourage them in whatever way I can.
Teach me to listen better to Holy Spirit, and to act on the guidance and inspiration I receive to live, love, serve and work for you. Increase my ability to be patient and wait on your word.
May I not lose heart or faith as I follow the dimly lit pathway before me, where each step might feel like falling off a cliff, getting lost or going astray.
Enable me to trust in your faithful companionship, the way you gently direct me to think, say and do the best thing you had planned. Help me to be grateful for your infinite love, mercy, forgiveness and grace which set me back on my feet again whenever I mess up.
I ask that you will open my eyes to signs of joy and delight in the midst of the hard. Show me how to look for the silver lining and what you could be teaching me in every difficulty.
When pain and weariness overwhelm me to the point where I can think of little else, may I rest in the comfort and safety of your arms as they cradle and hold me close.
Amen
Unsure what mindfulness is? This article might help clear up concerns and misconceptions. There are Christian books available on the topic, such as: Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality: Making Space for God by Tim Stead, and How to be a Mindful Christian: 40 simple spiritual practices by Sally Welch.
I believe mindfulness suggests a slower, more deliberate way of life which embraces soul simplicity and an aware, compassionate mindset. For people of faith, mindfulness is primarily about developing a greater sacred awareness and increased sensitivity to God’s presence with us. It can include a greener, more ethical lifestyle as well.
It will be one that fits your interests and outlook, worldview and faith practices, including meditating on Bible verses, contemplative photography, sacred writing, and using Scripture-based colouring books.
We can increase our ability to be more fully present to our daily lives. Courtney Carver gives us 7 gentle reminders here to help us become more focused. And this article speaks about sensing sacred echoes in our days.
What does mindfulness look like to you? I’d love you to share in the comments below. 🙂
Words of Joy 
Oh Dear Joy, thank you for drawing our hearts toward this precious place of being more mindful of God’s presence in our days. This especially resonated with me today: “When pain and weariness overwhelm me to the point where I can think of little else, may I rest in the comfort and safety of your arms as they cradle and hold me close.” Once again, your words are so timely for me as my body goes into another flare. I so appreciate your heart of openness to willingly share the nuggets of blessing you have received along the way! I’m heading back over to your article at Godspace, to connect with you there too! Blessings, hugs, and love to you my dear sister. Xoxo
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Dear Bettie, a few years ago God opened my eyes to the potential we have to sense God’s presence in our everyday lives, and I’ve been trying to put it into practice, albeit imperfectly, ever since. And in reference to the part of the prayer about weariness and pain, it happens more times than I care to count. I’m so glad it was timely for you today. May we both allow our bodies, minds and hearts to rest more deeply in God, safe and secure in His eternal love! Thank you for responding here and for following the Godspace link as well. I’ll pop over too and reply to you. Blessings, love and hugs to you, my dear sister and friend. xoxo 💜
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Such a beautiful reminder, Joy! Thank you ❤️
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Thank you, Michael! Bless you, Brother. 😊❤️
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Amen! Thank you, Joy. You write the longings of my heart. This line especially strikes me today – “I ask that you will open my eyes to signs of joy and delight in the midst of the hard.” Love and blessings to you!
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It’s encouraging to hear we share the same heart longings, Trudy. The line you’ve mentioned? I think it needs to be my daily prayer… 😉 Our souls can so easily become discouraged by the vicissitudes of life in the here and now, let alone persistent pain from the past. Oh to live so wonderstruck that those things lose their power to harm us! May God give us eyes to look for and appreciate His joy appearing where we least expect it. Blessings and love to you! xo 💜
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