It was an advertising slogan, first used in 1929, for one of the major soft drinks: “The pause that refreshes.” But we can also apply it to spirituality.
The pause that refreshes us is, in one form or another, prayer. Prayer exists in many ways, in many cultures and religious traditions. Whether it be the Lord’s Prayer, Buddhist meditation, Native drumming and singing, Hindu yoga, chanting the Psalms, praying the rosary, Muslims kneeling for prayer several times a day or more, tapping into the spiritual dimension of life, on some kind of regular basis, is refreshing.
Prayer slows us down. It is healing and restores us to our centre. It brings us peace.
When we feel full of stress or indecision, the prayerful pause can allow a way forward to emerge. When tossing and turning at night, it can bring release and relaxation.
When world events cease to make sense and we feel depressed, prayer can bring hope and inner peace. If there is conflict at work or at home, prayer helps us let go and open ourselves to a resolution.
Pausing prayerfully enables us to see the beauty of nature around us, and the value of each person. It refreshes.
