Tag / Christian

demonstrates a woman abiding in God
by Karen Twinem

Practicing God’s Presence: Lessons from Brother Lawrence

God’s presence is all around us. Do we notice it? We can when we practice the presence of God. Brother Lawrence figured out how.

Brother Lawrence was born Nicholas Herman around 1610 in Lorraine, then a Duchy of France. Educated by a parish priest whose first name was Lawrence, Nicholas was well read and very interested in a life with God.

Then he went to war. He fought as a soldier in the Thirty Years War, a religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics throughout Europe. A near-fatal injury left him disabled and in chronic pain for the rest of his life.

At mid-life he entered a newly established monastery in Paris where he took the name Brother Lawrence. He was the cook for the community, which grew to over 100 members. After 15 years, his duties were shifted to the sandal repair shop but, even then, he often returned to the busy kitchen to help out.

While repairing sandals and working in the kitchen, Brother Lawrence discovered and then followed a pure and uncomplicated way to walk continually in God’s presence. He practiced this for some 40 years until he died in 1691.

It was not until after his death that a few of his letters were collected. Joseph de Beaufort, representative and counsel to the local archbishop, first published the letters in a small pamphlet.The following year, in a second publication which he titled, ‘The Practice of the Presence of God’, de Beaufort included, as introductory material, the content of four conversations he had with Brother Lawrence.

Brother Lawrence’s Practical Spirituality

In this small book, through letters and conversations, Brother Lawrence explains how to continually walk with God. His direct approach to living in God’s presence is as practical today as it was 350 years ago. Here’s an excerpt from one of Brother Lawrence’s conversations with de Beaufort:

Brother Lawrence related that we should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s Presence by continually conversing with Him. It was a shameful thing to quit His conversation to think of trifles and fooleries. We should feed and nourish our souls with high notions of God which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him.

He said we ought to quicken and enliven our faith. It was lamentable we had so little. Instead of taking faith for the rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial devotions which changed daily. He said that faith was sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. We ought to give ourselves up to God with regard both to things temporal and spiritual and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will. Whether God led us by suffering or by consolation all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.

Biblical Foundations for the Practice of the Presence

What does the Bible say about God’s presence? Basically, that is is everywhere all the time.

Psalm 139: 7-10 says: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

And Jeremiah 23: 23-24 says, “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.

God is omnipresent. So becoming aware of His presence is a relational response. It can replace anxiety, fear and other negative emotions. You can read more on that here.

The second Biblical foundation: God asks us to walk with Him so we can be effective Christians. He does this many times in the New Testament.

  • Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
  • Galatians 5:25: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
  • Ephesians 5:2:  “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
  • 1 John 1:7  “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

What does walking with God imply? We have an ongoing close relationship in a shared life. Walking is slow. Left foot, right food, as my church’s founding pastor said. We are aware of God’s presence as we walk with Him.

The third Biblical foundation for the practice is the invitation to abide in Christ. That doesn’t mean you visit Him occasionally. It means that you stay connected to Him at all times.

As John 15:4-5 says: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

The fourth foundation is the command (yes, a command, not a suggestion) to pray continually. Here it is in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

It’s God’s will that we do this. It doesn’t have to be nonstop talking, but it must be a continual awareness of the presence of God. You can rest in God’s peace and love without yakking up a storm.

Christian Leaders Who Practiced the Presence of God

Many Christians have practiced God’s presence, Three well-known saints, in particular, did this, two of them before Brother Lawrence was born.  

  • Augustine of Hippo (354-430): He described God’s presence as intimate, interior, and all-encompassing, famously stating that “God is closer to me than I am to myself.” He taught that encountering God required a new focus. We must look past the material world and turn within, as the soul bears God’s imprint. Augustine also said that the loss of God’s felt presence is not due to His withdrawal, but to our choice to focus on lesser things.
  • Teresa of Avila (1515-1582): Teresa of Avila defined prayer as an “intimate sharing between friends.” She emphasized a personal, frequent and loving conversation with God who loves us. This approach focuses less on words and more on developing a deep, relational and enduring bond with God. This was often described as simply being in His presence. Teresa taught us to converse in secret with God as our closest friend. She encouraged us to realize the God is always looking at us with love. To Teresa, the goal of practicing the presence of God was not emotional consolation, but a union of will with God. The result is a changed life based on God’s will, not our own selfishness.
  • John Wesley (1703–1791): The founder of Methodism, he was known for striving for holy living and continuous awareness of God’s grace. He taught the use of persistent prayer, regular Bible study and service to the poor as means of grace for increasing awareness of God’s presence. (This is “the Method” in Methodism.) He encouraged his followers not to wait passively for God’s presence, but to actively use the means of grace to experience it.

Why Is This So Hard?

We have a disadvantage over Brother Lawrence: We live in a loud time.  Christians often try to combat that through quiet time in the morning and perhaps at night. But the world often wins during the day.  We are struggling against:

  • Hurry and distraction
  • Anxiety and overthinking
  • Compartmentalizing faith
  • Viewing prayer as an event instead of an attitude

When we become Christian, we receive the Holy Spirit who is with us all the time. Certain habits can help us to become more aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and keep connected to God.  This is not just for the extremely devout. All of us can accomplish this. What we do need is faith.

As it says in Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Next time we’ll cover some practical methods for building the ability to practice the presence of God.

by Karen Twinem

Embrace God’s Presence: A Mindful Easter Meditation

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Happy Eastertide! We focus on Jesus’ resurrection. He is alive. And that makes spring a perfect time to expand your awareness of his presence. This is Christian mindfulness: the practice of the presence of God in the present moment. God is all around you. All you have to do is notice and embrace God’s presence.

Would you like to notice God now? Try this simple three-minute meditation on Psalm 49:10. Don’t judge yourself as you do it. Just let God’s grace move you into awareness of God’s presence.

  1. Settle yourself quietly. Begin to breathe slowly.
    • As you inhale, say: God, you are here.
    • As you exhale, say: I am with You, God.
  2. Once you feel settled and open to God’s presence, start to meditate on the phrase: Be still and know that I am God.
    • Do this for at least one minute in silence.
  3. Ask God what part of your life … a problem, an issue … that He would you to share with Him right now.
    • Place those concerns before God.
    • Do this for at least one minute in silence.
  4. Close in prayer: “Lord, teach us to recognize you in every moment … in work, rest, conversation and silence. Amen”

I hope you sensed God as you quieted yourself to feel His presence. As it says in Psalm 145:18: “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

He is all around you. And he wants you to live in his presence. As Jesus said in John 15:4-5:

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

What Is Abiding in God?

What does that mean exactly? One of the best explanations I’ve read comes from Brian Hedges, writing on Christianity.com years ago. He said abiding has three interwoven aspects:

1. Connection: Abiding in Jesus depends on a life-giving, mutual connection. A branch is connected to the vine, and the vine is connected to the branch. This is what theologians call union with Christ.

2. Dependence: Although they are connected, the vine is not dependent on the branch. Instead, the branch is dependent on the vine. It gets its power and life-force through the branch. So we are dependent on Jesus to bear fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

3. Constancy: In fact, “abide” (Greek, meno) means to remain, or stay, or continue. This relationship is permanent and ongoing.

How can this abiding become reality rather than a goal?  I believe the first step is to practice the presence of God, which I call Christian mindfulness.

Practicing the presence of God means becoming increasingly aware of God’s presence and developing habits that allow you to feel more connected, dependent and constant in Him. As James 4:8 reads: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to You.”

This is a practice I’ve had since 1990. One of the greatest benefits is that you develop an undivided heart. You gradually move from a split allegiance to the kingdom and the world. God’s presence becomes something you notice all the time. As Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

One of best known practitioners of this was little known in his lifetime: Brother Lawrence. I’ll write about his life story and the Biblical principles behind his practice next time.

demonstrates inner peace
by Karen Twinem

Living Today Quietly, Easily

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

"Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely.
To meet others, peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously." 

- Francis of Assisi





This beautiful prayer from Francis of Assisi pairs well with advice from another of my favorite saints, Francis de Sales.

He urges us to not look forward in fear to what life is bringing. Rather, he suggests we look forward in hope, living as quietly and easily as Francis of Assisi suggested.

Francis de Sales points out that we belong to God. He will lead us safely through all things. When we cannot go on, God will pick us up and carry us through.

He cautions us not to fear what will happen. Worrying is useless, as Jesus often points out. God loves us. He will take care of us today and tomorrow.

Suffering is a natural part of life on Earth. Jesus told us we will have trouble on this Earth. But in life with him, we will have joy and peace.

That means that God will either shield us from suffering. Or he will give us “unfailing strength,” as Francis de Sales says, to bear it.

The end result is that we make the decision to be at peace. We decide to put aside anxious thoughts and imaginations, as Francis de Sales says.

When we love God with all our mind, we focus on him as the day and night go by.

This can be simple. Perhaps you recall the last Bible story you read. Or you think about a challenging point from last week’s sermon. Or you sing a worship song and really mean it.

I have Bible verses and perpetual calendars with inspirational sayings throughout my house. There are never far away. I read one when I reheat my coffee in the microwave, for example.

I also read the Bible as often as I have food. And I practice fixed hour prayer, stopping to pray at daybreak, 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and bedtime. Just these short breaks … often only five minutes … keep me close to God.

We cannot live today, quietly, easily, without God’s help. Lift your spirit up to Him on a continual basis. You will be shocked as how easy He can make your day.

displays likes and hearts from social media
by Karen Twinem

Be a Force for Good on Social Media During Lent

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Giving up social media for Lent? While that can be helpful, there’s a more positive goal: Resolve to be a force for good online. After all, the biggest problems on social media are the participants.

Yes, social media is problematic. Studies continue to determine social media’s impact on children and teenagers. Yet the level of usage continues to grow as this 2025 Pew Research Center report shows.

Still, 71% of adults use Facebook alone. That’s because, for adults, social media has benefits, including global connectivity. You interact with people you would not otherwise know. Even more commonly, social media connects you to far-flung family, friends and former co-workers. If you are intentional on social media for Lent, you are a force for good with all these people. How? By offering support, compassion, inspiration and laughter.

Your content and the ways you connect make all the difference. A book on habits, “Your Fully Charged Life” by Meaghan B. Murphy, suggests a strategy I find every interesting. She believes the best approach for positive use of social media is to behave as you do in real life.

That means to connect, just as you do when you talk in person or on the phone. Comment on the posts of your friends and family. Compliment a parent on their kids. Be intentional about what you post. This allows you to bring a laugh or an inspirational thought to others. And to thank those who inspire you.

To do that, you have to remember what Mother said: Be careful who your friends are. You can use mute features to stop getting posts from people who are habitually negative or offensive. The most selective you are about who you follow, the more likely it is that you will find fellowship.

The same goes for businesses, not-for-profits and organization. Keep it as local as you can. Give positive feedback when you can. If you have a podcast that has made your life better, support it on Patreon.

Think it Through

Be good to yourself (and others) by thinking about what you are writing online. This is also a “real-life” behavior. Too many people feel that the relative anonymity gives them license to be obnoxious and cruel. Before I speak, I want to ask myself: Is this true? Is this kind? That is how I act at a conference table. It should be how I act on my phone.

It’s also good to have a purpose for your social media accounts. The purposes for mine are:

  • Facebook and Instagram: I use these platforms to connect with family, friends and former colleagues. I try to respect the privacy of my adult children and grandchild. I also use the platforms to talk about caregiving, helping people with mental illness and practicing Christian mindfulness. Finally, I use it to make people laugh.
  • X, BlueSky and LinkedIn: I use these platforms to promote mental health advocacy, Christian mindfulness and laughter.
  • Goodreads: I use this to record and review the books I read. I also share book info with friends.
  • Pinterest: I do put some material from this blog and from other sources on my “From God’s Lips” board. The other boards contain information, recipes and pictures I want to keep.

Every post must meet these criteria. There’s no room for unsubstantiated or iffy information, political fights, vulgarity or hate speech on my social media. That is, when I do it right.

Try creating your own purposes for social media. It’s what the pros … which I used to be … do.

You also have to think about what time limits you set on your social media use. I personally do not look at social media during the day, only after dinner. This gives me more peace of mind. (Remember: Your grandparents and parents waited for the evening news to find out what was happening in the world. And they did fine. If your neighborhood is on fire, you will hear the sirens.)

Being more intentional about your presence on line can bring more faith, hope and love into your life. If you try it, I’d love to hear your results.

shows a woman waking up drinking coffee
by Karen Twinem

A Prayer for Morning Coffee

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

I found this beautiful “A Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee” on Pinterest. This morning prayer is from “Every Moment Holy, Volume One,” which you can find here. Douglas Kaine McKelvey is the author.

I had to share this one. It spoke to my needs in the morning. These days I wake up in the cold, dark winter. I am recovering from serious surgery, appalling national news and a traumatic issue in my home church. As my eyes over, I need a place to center my thoughts immediately.

This morning prayer, spoken over a cup of coffee, is a real balm to my soul.

Meet me, O Christ, in this stillness of morning.
Move me, O Spirit, to quiet my heart.
Mend me, O Father, from yesterday's harms.

From the discords of yesterday, resurrect my peace.
From the discouragements of yesterday, resurrect my hope.
From the weariness of yesterday, resurrect my strength.
From the doubts of yesterday, resurrect my faith.
From the wounds of yesterday, resurrect my love.

Let me enter this new day, aware of my need, and awake to your grace, O Lord.

Amen

For Morning Prayer and Beyond

We practice the presence of God in the present moment, which we call Christian mindfulness. The first minutes of the day can be fuzzy and even annoying. Cats beg for breakfast. Husbands and children start talking when you can barely open your eyes. You’re tired and woke up against your will. Your schedule for the day will be demanding.

We need guardrails to cause us to look to and welcome the Lord even when we don’t welcome the morning. This prayer is good for that.

McKelvey has three volumes of the “Every Moment Holy” prayers available on everymomentholy.com .and Amazon. He also offers songs, artwork and workbooks. Russell Moore, the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, praises the worth of McKelvey’s work. He writes that he uses it often when he can’t find the words to walk with Christ in a situation humdrum or difficult.

McKelvey also has an app available at Apple or Android stores. More about that is found here.

His work is a good addition to our resources. You can find more resources for Christian mindfulness that I’ve found useful here.

Do you have other prayers or practices that you use to experience God’s presence in the morning? Please share them in the comments.

a picture of the author
by Karen Twinem

Word of the Year: Renaissance

The popular practice of choosing a word of the year can be a Christian mindfulness practice. My word of the year is Renaissance.

Stopped in my tracks by an unsuccessful spinal fusion that caused actual damage, I am facing at least two surgeries this year. So my word of the year points to the Lord’s promise that he’ll walk with me through it. After the pain comes the Renaissance. No matter the results … and I have lost significant trust in modern surgery … something new and beautiful will result in my life and walk.

Picking a word of the year can open to a deep conversation with God. But it is certainly not mandatory to any Christian practice. It’s not a magic way to get better results in Life 2026. Still, if you listen to the Lord in prayer, you may find that He has a word for you.

One of my favorite hyphenates, author/Christian/YouTube star Jennifer L. Scott did a nice job of describing her process. (That’s her family’s new puppy in her arms, by the way.)

Choosing Your Word

The steps I use to choose my word are simple. They integrate easily in my practices of practicing the presence of God.

Prayer: I practice fixed hour prayer, contemplative (or centering) prayer and examen/gratitude daily. During those times, I ask God to show me the word or phrase for the year. A word may arise from prayers I am reading during fixed hours. (Often they include meditations on scripture.) It may come as I settle into adoration and closeness to God during contemplation. And it may show up as I review my own sins and weakness in examen and gratitude practice each night.

Christian Mindfulness: I practice the presence of God in the present moment. As I’ve said before, I enter each new situation asking God’s presence and blessing. I love the people I am with, and I exit the situation offering gratitude to God for what has happened. Over and over and over again.

Bible Study: You may read your word in the Bible. In fact, I know God is speaking to me when I experience synchronicity. I hear the same Bible verse multiple times a day. Especially when that happens, I pray attention.

If you struggle with selecting a Word, your spouse, prayer partner or small group could pray with or for you. They may hear what you do not. There’s also a LifeSpring word of the year generator for 2025 that could help.

Using Your Word

You may have watched Jennifer Scott’s video above. In it, she suggests writing the word scattered through the year on your calendar or organizing device. I’m definitely doing that.

You can also use your word in multiple examen and Christian meditation exercises. Do a monthly gratitude exercise to see how the word is appearing in your life. Take a mediation walk asking the Lord to show you what He would like you to do. Pray and journal over the word.

I know that my Renaissance will come in phases. First, relief. Some challenging situations are starting to resolve. And I hope some of the chronic pain will be gone. Then restoration: another surgery, definitely lots of physical therapy. Finally, regeneration. I am looking forward to a glorious new season of life!!!

May God be present with you as you find and apply your word this year.

the families of Gaza represent the holy innocents
by Karen Twinem

The Three Days After Christmas: Faith Amid Evil

The church was very careful in how it structured the period immediately after Christmas. Using Christmas mindfulness, we can meditate on three stories of faith amid evil. This keeps us grounded in the true meaning of Christmas.

The Feast of Stephen

The first day after Christmas, Dec. 26, is the feast of Stephen, the first person killed for being a Christian. Stephen was a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem, respected for his holiness. Like Jesus, he was accused of blasphemy.

In his trial before the Sanhedrin, he glowed like an angel. And he gave an eloquent speech that ended with his accusation that the Jewish leaders had just betrayed and murdered the Messiah.

He was sentenced to death. As the stones fell on him, he saw a vision of Jesus in Heaven, welcoming him.

We can meditate on our own commitment to Jesus. Is it strong enough to take us through this kind of trial?

The Feast of St. John

Next, on Dec. 27, is the feast of St. John, the apostle I most look forward to meeting in Heaven.

John identified himself completely through his relationship with Jesus. He was “the one that Jesus loved.” That’s not bragging. It’s saying that he is who he is because Jesus loved him.

That love drove a life of evangelism and suffering. He was one of Jesus’ inner circle of three close friends. He went to Jesus’ trial. He stood at the foot of the cross with the Virgin Mary. The dying Jesus asked him to take his place as Mary’s son. He took Mary home to live under his care. He entered the empty tomb. He wrote five books of the New Testament: a biography of Jesus, three letters and Revelation. As an old man, the last living disciple, he was sentenced to hard labor at Patmos.

John is, to me, an icon of faithfulness. His understanding of Jesus was unparalleled.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents

The next day in Christmas week, Dec. 28, is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, in memory of the Bethlehem babies that Herod executed. Joseph got his family out of Bethlehem just in time.

Jesus came into the fallen world as an infant to start the process of ending suffering. The world was filled with evil then, and it’s filled with evil now. On this day, we can meditate on the suffering of the innocent in our own time. Think of Ukraine. Gaza. Sudan. The unborn and the born who are hungry and cold in wealthy nations.

On this day, we think about how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to suffering children.

This prayer, from the Catholic Household Blessing and Prayers, is a good one to contemplate: 

Heavenly Father,
your holiness revealed in Jesus
challenges us to renounce violence,
to forsake revenge,
and to love without discrimination, without measure.

Teach us the surpassing truth of the Gospel,
which puts worldly wisdom to shame,
that we may recognize as one with us
even our enemies and persecutors
and see all people as your children.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Enjoy this precious time after Christmas. It tells a story of faith in the midst of countless evil deeds.

advent candle wreath
by Karen Twinem

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Advent

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Do you want a calm Christmas? A holy December? This is where to begin.

Step one is always the Christmas Pledge. I wrote it down decades ago and can’t find the source. But it has served as a pathway for a meaningful Advent.

The Christmas Pledge

  1. To remember those people who truly need my gifts.
  2. To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways that presents.
  3. To re-dedicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family.
  4. To examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas.
  5. To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends.

You can fulfill the pledge in many ways:

  • Give a Christmas present from your family to World Vision or another charity. You can have the youngest child or grandchild pick out the gift. We gave a goat to a family in Africa last year.
  • Prepare a blessing bag with a Christmas card or other Christmas twist to give to the homeless you see. To learn more about blessing bags, click here.
  • Give a warm handwritten note to those you love most.
  • Put up an Advent wreath, lighting the candle of hope on Sunday.
  • Introduce Advent activities into your Christmas calendar.
    • Advent calendars are trendy. You can make a meaningful one digitally or with 25 envelopes. I have a refillable Advent box similar to this. I put mini Christmas ornaments on it for the mini-tree. Others put Advent activities on real calendars.
  • Go through your list of “must do” events to see if they reflect your values.
  • Reach out to family members and neighbors who vote differently than you do.
  • Find an Advent devotional to read each day during your quiet time.

We kick off the First Sunday of Advent with church attendance. Then we set up the barn in our nativity scene … empty. We add the people and animals as the season progresses. We also make Christmas cookies for tea in the afternoon.

On Sunday, I start an Advent devotional from those I have collected over the years. I rotate so this year’s devotionals include “Meditations on the Birth of Jesus: A Renovare Advent Resource for Spiritual Renewal” by Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell. I also may add “Hidden Christmas” by Timothy Keller. It’s first on a list of recommended Advent devotionals that you can find on Goodreads here.

Step by step, day by day, you can have the quiet holiday you crave. All you have to do is apply these ideas, based on Christian mindfulness. A holy Advent season leads to a happier new year.

symbols of thanksgiving
by Karen Twinem

Write Down Your Blessings This Thanksgiving

Parts of the world are at war. We may be missing loved ones. And the cost of Thanksgiving may be much higher than last year. Nonetheless, the Lord has been so good to us.

Today, let’s look with intention at what’s right and how God has blessed us. Listing our blessings helps us to stay focused on what is good in our lives. You can write it on a piece of paper, a computer screen or a pumpkin!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

For example, I am thankful to the Lord for:

  • MRIs and CAT scans that finally show what’s wrong that can be fixed.
  • Our marriage that has remained solid despite everything.
  • Food, water and a warm house.
  • My granddaughter and the miracles of technology that allow us to spend time together.
  • My wonderful kids.
  • A more consistent Christian mindfulness practice.
  • My spiritual director, small group leaders and pastors.

And there’s lots more on my list. Please make one yourself and spend time thanking God for what you have. You will feel much better.

It might be fun to keep it, so you can compare it to next year’s list.

You also can create a list of unanswered prayers to compare. This year I am praying for healing, increased understanding of God’s will and visiting my family.

illustrates mindfulness in nature
by Zeeva Usman

Practicing Christian Mindfulness Through God’s Natural Healing

In a world that moves at a dizzying pace, Christians often find themselves longing for peace, presence, and spiritual renewal. The practice of Christian mindfulness offers a way to pause, to breathe, and to truly notice the presence of Jesus in each moment. But mindfulness isn’t only about the state of the soul—it also has implications for the body.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God cares deeply for our physical well-being as much as our spiritual health. From the use of herbs and oils in biblical times to the invitation to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), there is a rich connection between faith, mindfulness, and natural healing.

This connection invites us into a holistic way of living—one that nurtures body, mind, and spirit through God’s provision.

Mindfulness as a Christian Practice

When people hear the word mindfulness, they often think of secular meditation or Eastern practices. But Christian mindfulness is different. It is the intentional awareness of God’s presence here and now. It’s about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings while keeping your heart anchored in Christ.

In Mark 6:31, Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” He knew that rest and reflection are essential. Mindfulness in a Christian context can look like:

  • Sitting quietly with Scripture, reading slowly and prayerfully
  • Walking in nature while thanking God for each sight and sound
  • Breathing deeply and reciting a short prayer like “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”
  • Eating a meal with gratitude for God’s provision

By integrating these simple practices into daily life, Christians can experience greater peace and spiritual clarity.

God’s Natural Provision for Healing

The Bible contains numerous examples of natural elements being used for healing. Long before hospitals and pharmacies, God equipped His people with plants, oils, and other resources for their health.

Some examples include:

  • Figs – Isaiah 38:21 records how a cake of figs was applied to King Hezekiah’s boil to help him recover.
  • Leaves – Ezekiel 47:12 speaks of trees whose leaves “will be for healing.” Revelation 22:2 echoes this, describing the leaves of the tree of life for “the healing of the nations.”
  • Oil and Wine – Luke 10:34 shows the Good Samaritan using oil and wine to treat wounds. James 5:14 calls for anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord.

These remedies weren’t separate from faith—they were often paired with prayer and trust in God’s power. Healing in biblical times was holistic, addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

Where Mindfulness and Natural Healing Meet

At first glance, Christian mindfulness and biblical natural healing might seem like separate topics—one focusing on the inner life, the other on physical care. But they share common ground. Both invite us to slow down, pay attention, and steward the body God has given us.

When we are mindful, we notice the signals our bodies send us: fatigue, tension, hunger, or restlessness. This awareness can help us take better care of ourselves through prayer, rest, nourishing food, and natural remedies.

Mindfulness also allows us to approach health with gratitude rather than fear. Instead of anxiously chasing every wellness trend, we can prayerfully discern what God is leading us to do for our bodies—whether that’s using herbal tea for digestion, applying essential oils, or simply going for a quiet walk in His creation.

Biblical Mindfulness in Daily Health Routines

Here are some simple ways Christians can integrate mindfulness and natural health into daily life:

  1. Morning Gratitude with Tea or Herbal Infusion
     Begin the day with a cup of herbal tea while reading a short passage of Scripture. Use the time to thank God for the new day and ask for His guidance.
  2. Prayer Walks in Nature
     Take a slow, intentional walk outdoors, focusing on the sights, sounds, and scents of creation. Offer prayers of praise for what you see.
  3. Mindful Eating
     Before a meal, pause to acknowledge God as the provider. Eat slowly, noticing flavors and textures, and reflect on how the food nourishes your body.
  4. Anointing and Prayer
     If you’re feeling unwell, consider anointing yourself with a small amount of olive oil while praying for healing, in line with James 5:14.
  5. Evening Reflection
     At the end of the day, take five minutes to sit in silence, reflect on where you experienced God’s presence, and release any burdens to Him.

A Faith-Based Approach to Wellness

In today’s fast-paced and highly medicalized society, it’s easy to forget that God has always been the ultimate source of healing. While modern medicine is a gift, many Christians are rediscovering the value of combining it with biblical principles of natural wellness.

This doesn’t mean rejecting medical care—it means seeing it as part of a broader picture in which prayer, natural remedies, and mindful living all have a role.

By caring for our bodies in ways that honor God’s design, we align ourselves with His wisdom and show gratitude for the gift of life.

Learning More About Faith and Natural Health

For Christians who want to go deeper into the biblical and practical aspects of natural health, there are educational opportunities designed specifically for believers.

One example is Faith College of Natural Health, which offers courses and degrees in natural health, herbalism, nutrition, and biblical wellness. These programs explore how faith and holistic healing can work together, equipping students to serve others with both spiritual and physical care.

For anyone interested in integrating Christian mindfulness, biblical healing principles, and natural wellness into their life or ministry, such training can be a valuable resource.

Final Thought:
Christian mindfulness and natural healing are not separate disciplines—they are two expressions of the same truth: that God cares for the whole person. By slowing down, becoming aware of His presence, and using the gifts He has provided in creation, we can walk in greater health, peace, and intimacy with Him.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2