pause
[Verb]
What is the spiritual meaning of pause?
To stop temporarily, take a short break, or linger. A holy pause, as some pauses are called, is meant to break through the noise in our world, still our minds (and our bodies), and gently bring our attention back to all that is God.
What does a sacred pause look like?
A simple pause can be the start of something profound:
- Spontaneous prayer
- Renewed relationship
- Healing journey
- Act of compassion
- Listening presence
- Silence and a deep breath
- Lighthearted laugh
- Call to action
- Reconnection with God
As a spiritual practice, a pause can lead to many things in life. Its sole purpose is to take us out of the constant rush of our days and root us in the present moment so we can rest in the presence of God—and renew our faith.
There are formal practices that invite us to pause in structured ways. For example, the daily examen prayer from St. Ignatius, a contemplative prayer, or the Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours. Plus, there are informal practices that can bring you peace: breathing exercises, mindfulness, gratitude journals, and daily walks.
How or where we pause is likely less important than how we embrace what the pause reveals about ourselves and God. We are called to share God’s infinite love and grace as freely as possible with anyone we encounter.
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Resting in Your presence is the most precious gift when the busyness of life overwhelms me. I only need to close my eyes and open my heart to Your presence. You are there, always receiving me with open arms, inviting me to pause and walk slower with confident steps to take me to Your will. Thank you, God, for being my safe space when I need You most. Amen.
How can your spirit pause today?
“There must be a time of day when [those] who make plans forget the plans, and act as if [they] had no plans at all.”
– Thomas Merton
Where God Is aims to find holiness all around us. Read more.
