March 14, 2025
Earlier this week, I had coffee with a wise and wonderful Saint Annian who shared a new prayer practice that I absolutely loved. Whenever they're waiting in line at the store or for an appointment—basically, any time they would normally reach for their phone—they use that moment to pray instead. It could be just 30 seconds, but they’re choosing to turn those little "in-between" moments into chances to nurture their spirit and connect to Spirit. Such a simple, yet powerful, idea.
Also this week, I’ve been traveling with my son Nolan for a few days; I’m writing to you from the Phoenix airport as we head home. It’s been a joy to have this time to refresh together. Going into our trip, I planned to savor these rare moments and to be fully present with him. But as soon as we got to our gate at MSP, I found myself scrolling through emails and checking social media, trying to get just one last thing in, reacting to breaking news, fussing about this or that. When I remembered the prayer practice the wise and wonderful Saint Annian had shared, I put my phone away. I prayed a little - for all of you, for our country, for the people in the airport around me. I also just sat. I chatted with Nolan, looked out the window, let my mind wander. It felt spacious, peaceful, connected.
As I continued this practice this week, I found taking these little pauses in the rush of life helped me stay grounded, and appreciative of the present moment. I recommend trying it next time you’re waiting or between tasks. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just putting your phone in your pocket and instead offering a simple prayer for someone you know, the stranger next to you, or yourself; or maybe taking time for a moment of gratitude for a blessing in your life.
In a world that’s constantly pulling at our attention, taking moments to pray is like a little act of rebellion against the noise. It’s a gentle way to reclaim our time and our thoughts. My prayer for you this week is a reclaiming of your time, your thoughts, your peace, your connection with something bigger than yourself. May you feel the gentle peace that comes from taking time to pause, breathe, and simply be.