"Enjoying God"
May 12, 2008

I sometimes use the following web site during prayer time: http://www.sacredspace.ie/   This morning the opening prayer was:

“Dear Jesus, as I call on you today I realise that I often come asking for favours.
Today I'd like just to be in your presence.
Let my heart respond to Your Love.”

As I read that I thought about how easy it is to make our prayer time a constant asking for favours.  One of the times I use to “be with God” is when I am on the elliptical machine at the gym.  Using that time to pray is a good way to occupy my time when I am doing this exercise.  I began praying some chanted prayers I have learned when I go on my annual retreat at Gethsemane.  “Oh God, come to my assistance.  O Lord, make haste to help me.  Praise to the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, both now and forever.  The God who is, who was, and is to come – at the end of the ages.  Lord save us, save us from our sin, and lead us in the way of life everlasting.”  I often use that prayer to center my attention on the presence of God.  Thus, as I do my exercising I began focusing on God’s presence.  As time went on, however, I found myself saying those prayers and then asking God to help me grow closer to him and to become more disciplined in my prayer life.  Those aren’t bad requests – but they are requests.  Sometimes we need to stop requesting – asking for favours – and just enjoy God’s presence.

Where are places we can enjoy God’s presence.  Certainly we know God is with us always – but sometimes there are places or activities that are conducive to being aware of, and enjoying, God’s presence.  For me it can be while exercising or taking my dog for a walk in the woods on the Cadillac Pathways, or sitting quietly in my room with a candle lit.  When and where can you enjoy God’s presence?

Sometimes when you pray – asking favours is what is needed.  However, I hope there are times you can simply enjoy the fact that God is with you.

Blessings and Peace!