Prayerful Ways to Cultivate Rest
My days are full of a lot of noise. I am frequently surrounded by distractions and interruptions. This can make it difficult to be intentional and to truly reflect on goodness and beauty.
Maybe you struggle with this too.
Not only can this affect our prayer and relationship with Christ, but it might also have detrimental impacts on our mental health. The fact is, overstimulation is not good for us. We need time to rest and quiet our mind—this time refreshes our souls, allowing for growth.
So, we need to build habits that cultivate peace and rest. In a world where we are constantly busying ourselves, it is important for us to remember to nourish ourselves and our spirituality. At first, this can seem overwhelming or unattainable. However, we can begin to better care for ourselves by adding simple routines.
To be at greater peace, we should regularly immerse ourselves in habits, devotions, or commitments that unite us with our Father. These things do not have to be grand or extravagant; they can be simple reminders of God’s sovereignty and our littleness.
Prayerful Ways to Cultivate Rest
- Rosary Walks
- Obviously the Rosary is such a fruitful devotion in the Church, so it can be so beneficial to pray the Rosary while breathing in some fresh air and exercising!
- Lectio Divina
- Through the practice of Lectio Divina, we get to truly soak in the depth of God’s Word. It is humbling to allow our Lord to lead us and speak to us through this practice.
- Spiritual Reading
- I have experienced so much fruit in allowing God to speak to me through the works of members of His Church. Reading spiritual books can teach us so much, while also offering us a little bit of an escape from our burdens.
- Holy Hour
- Spending time with Jesus in adoration is clearly so wonderful. Really, any quiet time with the Lord allows us to listen to Him and ask Him for peace and healing. If you cannot make it to adoration regularly, I recommend attending virtually or setting aside time to silence your heart before Christ daily.
- Journaling
- There are a variety of ways to prayerfully journal. Whether you are journaling to Scripture, writing through Ignatius’s examen, or simply writing a prayer, using a journal can help you to acknowledge your struggles and articulate your prayers.
Friend, I pray that you may find peace in God’s presence, regardless of how overwhelming life might be right now.