“Movement Four: Being with God
We’ve been talking a lot about prayer lately—not just the “ask God for stuff” kind of prayer—but the kind where you actually just be with God. We might call this “contemplative prayer.”
It’s awkward at first, isn’t it? It’s a bit like when you’re with a close friend or significant other and you’ve run out of things to say—but you know you’re still good. You just sit there. No pressure. No performance. Just being together. John Morimoto shared this past Sunday just how that type of awkwardness took him a while to get past in his own relationship with Aya. It’s a common feeling that all of us can relate to on some level.
That’s the invitation with God too. To slow down. To stop filling every quiet space with noise, music, podcasts—even good ones—and to simply sit in His presence. To no need to entertain God, or bring Him my problems or hearing something for me. To let Him look at you with love. To yield to His love. To rest in His love. Like John said, with contemplative prayer it’s not that you have to be pressured to get something out of it.
Maybe this week, try that. Just a few minutes each morning to say, “Holy Spirit, come.” And be still. You don’t need to bring anything impressive. Just you, showing up. That’s enough.
Key Takeaway:
We know that the distractions, hurry, and fears in life separate us from being with God. Prayer can simply be you holding space in your day to find a quiet place to just be in God’s presence. Pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Or “Jesus.” And wait upon the LORD.”