Here

 

“Isn’t it strange how we cling to the idea that there’s some elusive prayer formula that will revolutionize our devotional lives, if only we could figure it out?  And of course, we can’t figure it out.  We rarely trust what we already know how to do, which is why we miss many precious encounters with God.”  Claudia Mair Burney.

 

I recently read the above quote and was struck by how the words captured what I have often felt.  We long for some reliable practice that is instant and immediate access to the divine.  We all crave a peace that will help ease our struggle and alleviate our stress quickly ~ which is why we can become addicted to alcohol or shopping or busyness or even always being cynical because these tend to numb the pain (but only momentarily so we keep going back).  And the church can be lured into thinking that we have the secret sauce to help you; and if it doesn’t work, well that’s on you.  But here, right here in this wilderness wandering moment, God is.  We are just not sure we trust this to be true.  Hold this brilliant quote from Claudia Mair Burney. 

 

Breathe in God’s presence in your life in this moment.

Breathe out all the voices that want to point out what is wrong.

Breathe in God’s presence within you in this moment.

Breathe out all the pains/strains physically/emotionally/spiritually.

Breathe in God’s presence…

Be here with the One who enfolds and holds you.

 

This precious encounter with God right here and now.  Amen.