"Go with God" or "God on the Go"

Recently I've been talking with a number of people about how and when and where they connect with God. A few have recently started new spiritual disciplines such as the Daily Office (Morning & Evening Prayer), Prayer Beads, and regular Bible or devotional reading. These, along with other spiritual disciplines, regularly open us up to listen to what God is saying to us and doing in our lives.

Given that so many of us are busy, slowing down, taking retreats, practicing mindfulness, and learning to live in simplicity are great ways to connect with God in a deeper way. And yet, we also have times where we are 'on the go' and it is wonderful when we find God accompanying us in the midst of our busyness. So how can we connect with God when we're 'on the go'? Here are several practical suggestions...

Listen!
   -  Listen to a favorite Christian author or to the Bible read to you in the car or on your ipod. Here are some excellent suggestions on audio CD or mp3.
               a)  C.S. Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters
               b)  Marcus Borg, Diana Butler-Bass, John Dominic Crossan, N.T. Wright, and Phylis Tickle
               b)  For Kids -  Hall of Faith: 12 Bible Stories...,
               c)  Classics of Christian Literature - Paradise Lost,
               d)  The Bible - Old Testament Selections, The Message Bible

Sing!
   -  Singing is a wonderful way to approach God. Songs stick in our memories and influence our thinking all the time. So build up your favorite collection of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. Here are some of my own favorites: Fernando Ortega, Robin Mark, Jars of Clay, U2, Handel, Bach, Gregorian Chant, Russian Chant,...
     
Read!
   -  Keep a Bible or a devotional book with you to read at all times. Read it while you wait for your take-out dinner to be prepared, our while waiting to pick up someone or be picked up. A minute here or there is all it takes. Here are some suggestions.
               a) Forward Day by Day, available free to you at St. Peter's
               b) Apps for your iPhone or Android like the Daily Office from Mission St. Clare (Android, iPhone), Glenstal Abbey (Android, iPhone)

Pray!
    -  You don't need anything - a book, or beads, a smart phone, or anything - to pray. Just talk to God. Or listen for God to speak. Even 3 minutes of prayer can make a significant difference.

So whether to listen, sing, read, or pray, take God with you wherever you go. Wait in the lobby with God. Drive down the freeway with God. Eat at your table with God. Whatever it is you're doing, go with God! Life was meant to be spent walking alongside of God.

Fr. James+