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Hard stops in daily life

The only way to get anywhere safely is to make complete stops along the way.

To follow Christ, in whatever you do, make hard complete stops at set times throughout the day to pray. Otherwise you’re risking a crash. Or missing your turn.

You might use 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m., on the hour, as times to set a gentle chime alarm, and just stop and pray.

Praying at set times throughout the day is how both Jesus and the early church lived their days — God marking time.

For example more than one of the church fathers had those in their care recite Psalm 63 every day. I keep a copy in my wallet, and now it resides in my heart. The psalm takes 30 seconds to recite; it was Dwight Moody who said that if you’re too busy to pray, you have more on your plate than God ever intended.

Do you know what the root of the Hebrew word “Sabbath” means? Cease and stop. And to pause is to lead an examined life. You will find in God’s more perfect economy, what is lost in efficiency is returned tenfold in effectiveness. (Ever found yourself making great time on the highway, only to find out later that you’re going in the wrong direction?) Try this ancient Christian discipline for a week, and watch your days take wing!

PSALM 63

1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory

3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help, I will sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed; They will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week’s column comes from Pastor Taylor Camerer of Great Island Presbyterian Church, Lock Haven.

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