Paying Attention to God

We know that relationships require mutual attentiveness. In this blog, I want to help you to focus your attentiveness on God with some practical steps that you can use daily to pay closer attention to God.

1. Start the Day with Intentional Stillness - Before checking your phone, turning on the TV, or engaging in daily responsibilities, take 5-10 minutes in quiet stillness. This can be done through:

   * Breath prayers (e.g., inhaling "Lord, you are here," exhaling "Help me to notice you.")

   * Sit or lay in silence, inviting Abba's presence.

   * Pray a simple prayer of surrender

   
   

2. Practice "God Awareness" Throughout the Day - This is about training yourself to notice God's presence in everyday life. Some ways to do this:

   * Set a timer/reminder on your phone a few times a day that simply says "Pause and Notice" When it goes off, stop and ask yourself, Where do I see God right now in this moment?

   * Use a visual cue to remind you to check in with God (e.g. cross/necklace, picture on your desk/wall, nature, candle

   * Reflect on how God might be speaking through people, circumstances, or even difficulties

3. Listen more than talk in prayer.

   * After you pray, sit in silence to allow God to impress thoughts or scriptures on your heart.

   * Journal a short question to God (e.g., What do you want me to notice today? and be open to insights and impressions throughout the day.

   
   

4. Notice Small Gifts from God - Many times, we are expecting God to show up in big, dramatic ways, but He is often in the simple, quiet things.

   * Keep a "God Sightings" journal where you write down small moments where you felt Abba's presence, provision, or love.

   * At the end of the day, reflect on one moment when you were aware of God or, if you struggled, where God might have been that you didn't notice.

   
   

5. Engage Your Senses in Worship - Since we don't see or touch God physically, engaging our senses can help cultivate attentiveness.

   * Light a candle during prayer as a reminder of His presence.

   * Use music that turns your heart towards Him.

   * Take a mindful walk in nature, observing his beauty and listening for His voice.

   
   

6. Pay Attention to Where Resistance Shows Up - Sometimes distraction, busyness, or even discomfort in silence can reveal inner resistance to God's presence.

   * Notice what pulls you away from being present with God (e.g. phone, overworking, mind chatter)

   * Ask yourself, Where do I struggle to let God in?

   * Be honest with Abba about the difficulty rather than trying to force a feeling.

   
   

7. End the Day with Awareness - Before bed, take two minutes to reflect with simple questions.

   * Where did I sense God today?

   * Where did I miss God today?

   * What do I want to surrender before sleeping?

   
   

Did you know that April is National Donate Life Month? While African Americans and other people of color make up a large percentage of those in need of organ transplants, we are often underrepresented as donors. Our communities are disproportionately affected by conditions like kidney disease, yet the gift of life is something we can all give.

Becoming an organ donor is an act of love, hope, and legacy. Your decision could save the lives of someone in your family or community. Please register today because every life matters.

From Light to Light.....

© Wanda Pendergrass, LLC 2025