What we do in the pause matters. What, or Who, we turn to in the rest matters.
I’m continuing to journal through “Rest Here” which is the October 2025 devotional by Illustrated Faith, written by @kristina.proffitt. In “Rest Here”, Kristina encourages us to enter into God’s rest; to create space for physical and spiritual rest. She shares some of the ways we can do that as well as the benefits in doing so.
Last time, I shared my reflections on the first session, titled “Pause”, here: Rest in hope. Now, I’m in the second session, titled “Prayer”. I’m thankful for the many reminders of the blessing that is prayer, and the encouragement to make it “our first response, constant rhythm, and daily joy”.
I admit I could be more diligent in this practice. I have been working on being more intentional in it since last month when I shared several “Pray like…” posts. I’m already praying continually throughout the day but, one change I’ve made since then is praying audibly.
Pray like He is indeed near
The reason for praying audibly is that I’m praying like God is near. He is not a distant God somewhere up there but God with us; God within us.
My prayers before felt, in some ways, a lot like having a close friend visit. We are sitting down together for a chat, and perhaps having some tea. Instead of speaking to her directly, I write a note and pass it to her. Or we just sit there together in our thoughts. Strange, right?
Now, I am not saying there’s anything wrong with written prayers or praying in our minds! I still do that, in fact, on occasion. However, I am seeing great benefits in praying out loud like God is right where I am; as He says He is. Personally, this has drawn me nearer compared to only writing, or praying in my mind, as I’m accustomed to doing. My mind is also less overwhelmed and more at peace.
Pray about everything!
The second major takeaway I had from this session is to pray about everything. That is, don’t only go to God when in need but constantly and about anything. Again, imagine that close friend – what would your friendship look like if you call on her only when you need help? Probably not that close even if she is the most gracious and giving person ever.
So, go to God for provisions, for help and counsel, for heart transformation, to give praise and thanks. Simply, turn to Him, our constant Friend, first and always. Here are some verses that were referenced in the devotional which highlight this.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” [Psalm 18:6]
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10]
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” [Philippians 4:6]
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” [Romans 12:12]
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” [Acts 16:25]
Products used
My journaling is in my faith journal which is a basic, blank, A5 notebook.
I’m using the digital version, instead of the physical kit, this month. I paired the ephemera with a mix of stamps, washi, and alpha stickers that I had in my stash as well as some printables from Illustrated Faith’s digital Print Pray Shop.
- Eliza Alpha Stamp
- Grid Notes (printable)
- Typewriter Prayers 03 (printable)
- Rest Here Ephemera (printable)
Find IF on Instagram here: @illustratedfaith
Find related posts from the community on IG here: #IF_RestHere
Find the physical kit (if still available) here: Bible Journaling Kit | Rest Here
And, the digital version of the devotional here: Rest Here Devo (digital)
Be encouraged
🎶 Throne of Grace ~ Highlands Worship
What grace it is to be called a child of God.
What grace to be able to go to Him in prayer, like a child – in everything, about anything, and anytime. Thank you, Jesus, for paving the way to the Father. Lead us to draw near by Your Spirit.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14
