I began a book earlier this new year titled Seven Sacred Pauses – Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day by Macrina Wiederkehr. Honestly, I don’t know when I’ll finish it because the book is intended as a long-term journey toward more mindful living.
The idea of pausing seven times each day for mediation and prayer isn’t a new one. Monastics have done this for centuries, but I am finding as a 21st century Christian that making time for seven pauses throughout my day is extremely difficult, if not next to impossible. Even so, the pauses I do make have begun to loosen the knot of stressors I carry around in myself each day. In this new-found space, I am able to more clearly see the blessings that have been abundantly placed around me, and see people and places in need of care.
I compiled the following “pause” from the Blessing Hour (which comes at mid-morning) portion of the book. As you read the verses from Psalm 121, I invite you to consider that you may be the person who has the opportunity to share the promises found here with someone else.
Opening
O Spirit of the Circling Hours work through me that I may be your love poured out.
Psalm 121:1-8
Closing Prayer
O Spirit Come…
Come with your transforming power. Breathe upon and into my thoughts and actions this day. Let my work be a labor of love. May those who come in contact with me feel sheltered and cared for. May I do or say some small piece of goodness that will help others feel affirmed and supported. Let your wind and fire move me into the places where I am needed. Let me become your breath so that I may assist you in breathing new life into places that are stale and unfruitful. Make me forceful and gentle, powerful and humble. O Spirit, Come!
Written by Danny Buckner
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