“God Sightings” was a phrase used as part of the former Journey Partner Discipleship Ministry at Clark’s Valley Zion. During this one-on-one discipleship process the questions for the weekly encounters changed, except for one – “What was your God sighting this week?” For those who took part in the Journey Partner Discipleship Ministry the question caused the participants to intentionally become aware of the evidence of God at work all around them every day. For many who were a part of the ministry their initial first few responses revolved around beautiful sunsets or the wonder of God’s creation. As time went by, knowing that the question would be asked each week, they started to become aware of the working of God’s Hand in so many different ways. It was as though the scales fell from their eyes and they were able to observe God at work in the midst of their everyday lives as never before.

Several weeks ago, we started to incorporate “Praise Pause” into our weekly corporate worship services. The idea is generally the same, to promote intentional, not forced, awareness of God’s Hand at work in one’s everyday life. The added benefit of “Praise Pause” is the blessing that comes from allowing others to rejoice in praise to God for His marvelous care and concern that is evident on a daily basis. Often people do not share because they do not believe that their encounter with God is significant enough to share with others, it isn’t as grand as what someone else might share. I believe the beauty of including others in your praise to God allows us to recognize how the God of creation is so intimately involved in our lives. God does care about us! He is concerned about the things that are important to us even if others don’t view them as significant.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you incorporate “Praise Pause” into your prayer time. May you simply acknowledge God as God and allow yourself to become aware of His Hand at work in your daily life. You may be surprised at how many times daily God is evident in so many ways. As you become more and more aware of God at work in your life come prepared to share during the “Praise Pause” on the Sunday morning corporate worship services. I know others will rejoice with you as you share in God’s Hand at work in your life.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike