Four Practical, Prayerful Ways to Focus on the Present

Elizabeth Reardon offers strategies for stepping out of our tendency to plan for long-range goals and simply seek moments to spend with God.

Let’s start with the fact that I am by nature a problem anticipator. Typically, my feet are moving forward and mentally I seek to be two or three steps ahead to better assess where I need to go. This works well in project management and parish planning, where long-range goals and timelines are essential. And yet spiritually, God is simultaneously reminding me that, as in the story of Martha and Mary, sometimes the best place to be is right where I am at the moment. 

Sound familiar? 

On one such occasion while driving, I found myself with a lead foot and an unusually impatient spirit. I wondered aloud, “Did they not understand that leaving a gap a mile wide just encouraged people to cut in?” and “Were they not aware that those they shared the road with were indeed trying to get TO their destination sooner than later?”

Such was my conversation with God and myself and the more I nodded in agreement, the less concerned I became with my other highway companions. So much so, that my arm actually ached from throwing it up in indignant frustration. 

Meeting God in the Present Moment

That was when the truth hit me. I had become so focused on where I thought I needed to be, that I realized I had neglected to meet God in the present. The more I pushed Him aside to pursue all that was to be accomplished, the more I also failed to take into consideration what is better. My time could have been spent differently ... I had a choice. 

Four Practical, Prayerful Ways to Focus on the Present

Try starting your day with a reflection (and coffee). 

Though we may read a reflection over coffee, often we do not really unpack or unearth its richness right away. As you travel or wait, just hold the questions or Scripture in your heart. God is there ready to inspire you and your day. 

Get accustomed to the silence: 

Breathe and take a few quiet moments to allow God to speak to your heart. Notice the details of the landscape, the color of the sky and the rhythm of the world around you. 

Remember others.

When we are driving forward, it can become easy to see others that are moving slower as obstacles in our path. However, this may be exactly when God is calling our time and attention to be. If our agenda is to be His, then we have to be willing to direct our path and our pace. 

If your mind and heart are busy, use this energy to pray the Rosary. 

There have been days where I have had so many thoughts that I offered each bead/prayer for a different person or intention. With each name and concern spoken I ease into a more peaceful way of being. Why? Because I recognize that God has it covered! 

Pray:

Father, patiently train me to value these precious moments with you. Instead of time squandered in useless irritation and in anticipation of something greater: let me appreciate the gift of the present. I need not be the first or the fastest of those around me but in truth will reach my destination eventually. For Your invitation — to gaze upon the horizon, prayerfully offering the day and petitions, and to listen for Your guidance awaits. You have a better plan in mind for my day than all of the schedules that I have made.   

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Elizabeth Reardon
Images: Canva