Essential Spiritual PracticesSample

Slow Down

When was the last time you felt unhurried, at peace, and content with where you were? What if you could be present regardless of what was happening around you?

Slowing is a spiritual practice where you intentionally fight the speed of the world and focus on being in the moment. You choose to not worry about your long to-do list, and you calm your racing thoughts, so they don’t impact your attentiveness to those around you.

You’re fully at peace where you are. You’re able to pause and feel God’s presence with you. You’re more patient with the people around you.

If you look at the life of Jesus, there are so many times when He chose to slow down. You don’t hear stories of Him running to get to the next town. Instead, He walked slowly. He didn’t rush through meals or brush people off.

Jesus set the example of what it looks like to slow down. And His life revealed the benefits of this practice, as He connected in meaningful ways with His Father and the people around Him.

It’s hard to slow down, even counter cultural. But what if slowing down could help us see God more clearly at work in our lives?

As you practice slowing down, you might become aware of just how busy the world is around you. When you notice the hurrying, talk to God. Ask Him to help you be present. You’ll start to notice and experience life more fully.

Challenge: Find one way to intentionally slow down today. You could drive in the slow lane, chew each bite of your meal, or even read through today’s Scriptures at a slower pace than usual.