The group leader says, “We pause for a moment of prayer” when no one knows how long that pause will last.

These days the uselessly used word in our crazy culture proudly declares us to be one of 24/7.

TV pauses you for an important message while watching a program you’re enjoying but now hearing about hemorrhoids for thirty-seconds. (And, the couple are seen running around in fields that never resembles your home). You pause at the red light because that’s the law but pausing may be longer when the driver in front of you is messaging a friend. However, that traffic’s red light means you have two more seconds for either that pause or hitting the gas.

We seem to be losing that brief but beautiful word, that gift. It’s the space between saying something you’ll later regret and it’s that space, even a tiny space, between one event before the next.

Adding “ing” to the word returns you to yourself. Pausing becomes a powerful tool for taking a deep breath of silence to recollect yourself reminding yourself of your roots, whatever anchors you. For us Christians, it’s naturally the heritage of our faith returning us to who God wants us to be. Pious, perhaps but giving us that small moment of time for us to regain or reinforce ourselves. It breaks apart that dumb 24/7 attitude allowing us to make time meaningful and fruitful.

Needing time alone? Desert? Mountains? Gardens? We’re talking about Jesus Christ even when the crowds stalk him.

My habitual but well serving habit is going out for a smoke when dining with friends. My three-minute pause recaps what I’m hearing and saying and what I’d like to include next in our conversations. It’s a mental digestion before the meaty one. Works for me.

Pause is the action, pausing is the prayer. Movie characters run to the roof to exhibit their pausing time for us. Believers run to the roof of the Holy Spirit seeking divine support or correction. She contains all the virtues needed for life but may, at times, find it difficult to be heard through those 24/7 noises. Feel her and let her fill you.

Enjoy and endure your hemorrhoids. Smile and continue to watch and enjoy the unfolding TV show that is called “Your Life.”