5 ways to encounter God in the simplicity of life
In the daily toils of life, we often find it difficult to lift our mind and soul to God. The task should not be burdensome, but rather consoling and providing us rest. It is a time to recollect from the business of life and rest in Him. I will give 5 recommendations to encounter God in any state of life.
Think of Him Constantly
Br. Lawrence explains in The Practice of the Presence of God that after being frustrated with the many devotions, he aspired to think only of God. Devotions are means by which we bring our soul and mind to contemplate God. It ought to be easy and not complicated. It ought to refresh us and lift our spirits, rather than leave us tired and depleted. Br. Lawrence shows us how to always think of God. Every action from the moment of waking up to going to bed can be a reminder of God’s providence. Even if we drift away from time to time, bringing our mind back to God refreshes us. Prayer is simply the voice of desire. Desire only God and to do His will.
Have a Consolation Journal
Life is hard, and often we feel sad. Having a consolation journal where you can write down passages, quotes, moments, or other helpful items that bring you joy will do wonders. Writing down times when God has consoled you and reviewing those moments in times of desolation is useful. Even in desolation, God is still there with us. Desolation is those times when we do not feel an increase of faith, hope, or charity. It is important not to always rely on feeling good to stick to prayer. There are times for consolation and desolation, and through it all, we must persevere and cling to Jesus all the more.
Offer up a Spiritual Bouquet for the Day
Pick a short passage or phrase from scripture and meditate on it throughout the day. Keep it short and bring your mind back to it from time to time. Much like eating, we must taste, chew, and digest scripture to gain from it. Create short bite-sized pieces to keep you as you go about your day. If you do not know what passages to read, you can always look at the reading for the day and meditate on those. The psalms are great as well!
The Rosary
The Rosary is most helpful in spiritual life. It allows us to meditate on the whole of the Gospel. The Gospel on beads, as some would say. It is a great practice to recite the Rosary daily. Always carry a rosary with you and be patient with yourself if it takes time to get used to it. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is very useful as well. The goal of the Rosary is to meditate on the life of Jesus. To bring you closer to Him. Pray it often and with confidence.
Go for a walk and be silent.
Our lives are hectic enough; sometimes, all you really need is to go outside. Turn off the distractions and embrace God’s creation. Walk, sit in a park, by the sea, play some sport, or work out. Get your mind off the noise and embrace the silence. Allow yourself to recollect from the business of life and talk with God. Prayer ought to be a dialogue, so listen as well. Listen and obey promptly. Relax and slow down. Then go back, refreshed from the noise, and do what needs to get done.
I hope these helpful ways help you embrace God in the simplicity of life. There is no secret method left unsaid. It is all quite simple; sometimes it is we who complicate things. One bonus you should try is to go to Adoration and visit the Blessed Sacrament. Keep staying close to Jesus, and God loves you all so much. Pray, hope, and do not worry.
