Bullet Prayers: Better Than Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a popular topic today.  Writers give all sorts of recommendations about how breathe, relax, and focus on the moment.  The problem is that many moments are not that great.  Do really want to be fully present when changing a dirty diaper at 2:00 a.m.?  Neither do I.  

The problem with mindfulness is that it puts the focus on us and on our situations.  An alternative is to use prayer to focus on the presence of Christ in you at all times.

When you wake in the morning practice praying:  "This is the day that the Lord has made;/ We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:25 NKJV).

When you have a few minutes of silence pray:  “Speak, your servant is listening.” (I Samuel 3:10b NLT).

When you have challenges in life pray:  I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

When you go to sleep at night, or awake and can't sleep, pray the Our Father, followed by the Apostles Creed, and Psalm 23.  Rather than dwelling on other thought keep reciting these.

Besides these bullet prayers, it is a good idea to make a practice of daily bible reading and prayer.  This time of unplugging from the world will give you an opportunity to renew your mind and get a clearer picture of your life's situation.