It is pretty amazing isn’t that we come out of the womb, breathing. Merely seconds old and we instinctually gasp for breath. We don’t even know what oxygen is at this point (and probably won’t until a lesson on plants in 1st or 2nd grade) but our moments-old lung scream out and we inhale. Following this line of reasoning one would think that we would naturally understand how to “breath” when it comes to basking in the presence of God.

For me I have had to “work” at “breathing spiritually.” It has taken mistakes and intentional exercises to help me care for my soul and ensure that I am authentically in relationship with God and others before I call others to follow Christ. If you have struggled in continuing to grow in your relationship with Christ while in ministry - you are not alone. In fact, the majority of folks I have talked to (in their most honest moments) have confided in me that it has been a struggle to have a growing and intimate relationship with the Mystery of the Universe.

One major way I try to stay mindful, aware and attentive to God throughout the day is through a habit many refer to as, “practicing the presence of God.” This phrase is derived from a 17th century Carmelite Monk named Brother Lawrence (a book entitled The Practice of the Presence of God was published from his journal after he died). The practice is one which is pretty simple in thought - a bit harder to actually do! In short it calls us to recollect our thoughts, in the midst of daily routine, back to the Giver of all good gifts. So, for example, we can turn to God during the routine of say, brushing our teeth. As we brush our teeth we can recollect our thoughts to God thinking, “You alone make me white as snow.” We just allow this thought to pass through our mind gently the entire time we polish our pearly whites. That is just one example.

I try to infuse my life with spiritual breaths by practicing God’s presence in my routines. As a gentleman, suburban horse farmer - when I am cleaning the horses stalls I practice the Presence by inviting God to reveal and remove my sin. When I am filling buckets, I rehearse the thought of, “refresh.” When I am caring for the horses, I thank God and remember God’s perfect and attentive care for me. It makes those moments sacred, and our stable a sacred-place for me. I am trying to find other places in my routines where I can incorporate this holy habit.

Do you have routines that you regularly find yourself in? Is there a way to make that a time to recollect yourself and re-connect with your Heavenly Father? Is this something you already do? Can you share and encourage others with your practices? We may not need to learn to breath when we come out of the womb, but after we are born again it seems we need breathing lessons. May we encourage and help one another in this way.