Tension

Each morning I practice contemplative prayer such as lectio divina (sacred reading) or centering prayer (similar to meditation). Before praying, I become aware of any tension I might have in my body.

I ask myself, “What do I hear in my tension?” Then I listen and ask God, “What can I do with this tension?” and “Where are you leading me?”

After asking these questions, I relax the parts of my body that are tense. Then, more focused to receive God’s word and confident that I don’t have to journey alone, I listen with an open heart and inclined ear.