11 Simple Ways to be Present with God

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase quiet time? If you grew up in church, this common phrase was likely a reference to a particular hour, give or take, of each day to read the Bible, journal, and pray. It apparently worked best in the morning, if you could manage the early hour. And coffee seemed to be as “essential” as the pen needed to journal. While some may have found this approach helpful, it left others wondering what went wrong, myself included.

As a young person I frequently heard youth leaders, pastors, and campus chaplains laud this morning practice. Yet, as the years went by, I rarely felt it was genuine to who I was. I didn’t enjoy coffee, and journaling felt like sitting in the dentist’s chair. Not to mention, my shallow understanding of scripture invited more pain than peace into my life at that time. Slowly, I gave it up. One day I looked back and realized I’d discovered other postures and spaces that breathed life into me and reconnected me to Love. There was no coffee in sight.

One size rarely fits all in spiritual formation contexts. If the primary goal of quiet time is to be present with God, then I’m convinced there must be more to explore outside early morning devotionals and prayer journals. This list is certainly not comprehensive, but it is a starting point for those who need a little encouragement or inspiration to think outside that particular box.

Take a nap

Sleep invites us to rest. Heading to bed early or taking a nap in the afternoon is a practice that may reduce fatigue, daily anxieties, or stress. It can also remind us of our finitude, which can reorient us back into the posture of “being” rather than “doing”.

Spend time in silence

Presence with God is less about what activity you’re occupying yourself with and more about inner stillness. Silence is one way to quiet the “noise” in our inner world. Breath work may also be a good companion to silence. (P.S. your “quiet time” does not have to be quiet. If you’re not interested in silence, consider the ways music, spoken word poetry, drums, or other auditory experiences can lead you into the presence of God.)

Explore different forms of prayer

Prayer comes in all shapes and sizes, especially within Christianity. The monologue-style prayer might suit some, but it’s not meant to be a one-stop-shop. You could explore the prayer of Examen, palm prayer, centering prayer, or lectio (or visio) divina, to name a few. These forms of prayer can create more intentional space for us to be present with God.

Meet with a spiritual director

Spending time with God does not need to be done alone, or quietly, for that matter. Spiritual directors are gifted (and trained) listeners who walk alongside you as you reflect on God’s presence. They ask questions to help you unpack your experiences with God and listen both to you and to the Holy Spirit, the ultimate spiritual director.

Wash the dishes

My mom often told me how therapeutic washing dishes by hand was for her. And although I think this was her way of making chores more enticing, I think she has a point. She noticed the warm water on her hands and liked being able to look out the window into the backyard. The ordinary, sensory tasks of life can be pathways into prayer and divine presence. There is no task too mundane where God’s presence does not inhabit it.

Move your body

Walking outside, yoga, dance, stretching, swimming laps, you name it — moving your body can be a deeply spiritual experience. Presence with God does not necessitate physical stillness. Where do you come alive? What sorts of activities allow you to receive God’s love for you?

Create something messy and beautiful

It might be a collage, a meal, musical piece, or a poorly drawn sketch. Puzzles or brain teasers count, too! Skilled or not, experimenting with colors, textures, lines, or numbers can be incredible soul care.

Walk a prayer labyrinth

Walking a labyrinth is another way to move your body with prayerful purpose. Labyrinths are paths built or drawn in the shape of a large circle. The path begins on the outer edge and invites you to trace the path towards the center. You may notice you cannot get lost; a labyrinth is not a maze. These design features are meant to symbolize a pilgrimage and prompt reflection.

Plant a garden, or water your plants

The act of burying seeds, watering, weeding, and harvesting are incredible vehicles which can reorient us towards the Creator. A garden or even a small coupling of houseplants can easily become hosts for divine encounters. The scriptures recognize this, too. Not only does Genesis begin in a garden, the poems and stories throughout the Old and New Testaments offer wisdom and truth with the use of vineyards, shrubs, dirt, blossoms, and thorns.

Volunteer in your community

Not only is serving others through volunteering or activism a beautiful way to grow in faith, but also serves as a vehicle for God’s righteousness and shalom, also known as justice. In this way, our spiritual health is linked to the health of our community. Walter Brueggemann highlights this in his book Peace. He writes, “The vision of wholeness, which is the supreme will of the biblical God, is the outgrowth of a covenant of shalom (see Ezekiel 34:25), in which persons are bound not only to God but to one another in a caring, sharing, rejoicing community with none to make them afraid.”

Visit a museum

Have you ever felt moved by a piece of art or a photograph? Art museums, even history museums, can reach deep in our hearts and draw our attention to God’s presence in landscapes, expressions of grief, anger, or joy, or in abstract pieces.

A gentle reminder on quiet time

“Quiet time” is not one-size-fits-all. In any spiritual or daily practice you keep, it is important to remember that you cannot earn God’s love or presence. However you choose to connect with God, please remember that is not your activity, regularity, or even your ability to discern the voice of God that make that posture effective. God is always present, even when we feel uncertain. Our efforts only help quiet the “noise” in our own hearts in order to recognize that divine love. May you sense God’s eternal, expansive love for you as you explore what it means to be present with Them.