I Need It

Never underestimate the power of an afternoon prayer sit. Don’t skip it. Even if you do not feel like it, do it anyway. A second sit refills your reservoir. It helps you finish your day.

I work in an office. In the early afternoon I stop what I do and walk to my car. It is usually anywhere between two and four p.m. It does not matter how busy I am. I need this time. My aisle mates know where I go (I have shared my practice with them). I sit in the driver’s seat of my car. Dependent upon the weather, I crack the window. Here I take my second sit. I am always amazed by how productive the rest of my day is after this second sit. It refreshes me. I need it! Often my reservoir is empty or runs on reserves. It needs to be refilled. I am amazed at how much better I feel after this sit.

After each sit, I experience various feelings. I am calm, at peace, excited, energized. I am ready to continue the day. During centering prayer, I completely let go and plunge into the depths of God in Christ. I no longer skim the surface.

I am on a journey. I want to be engulfed by God’s presence, power, and glory. The only way I can do this is to let go. I don’t really know what God will do now that God has my full consent. I want to be in God’s Presence. I want to be in God, and I want God to do whatever God wants. I consent. This is exciting. What God in Christ does with me will be revealed in the fruits of my actions during my non-centering parts of the day.

Rich Lewis is an author, speaker and coach who focuses on centering prayer as a means of inner transformation. His book, Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer (288 pages) is available now.