John Koza

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Two of my favorite scripture verses are “Be still and know that I am God,” from Psalm 46 and “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,” from Thessalonians 5: 15-18. I think I have found a unique way to combine these scripture verses in my life.

Most mornings I begin the day with a yoga practice. I hold various poses and count a specific number of breaths before moving onto additional poses. I count backwards from the highest number, but I never count the number 3. That is where I think or say, “Be still and know that I am God.” At this point I do become still, very still, and I reflect on God. Every other pose, when I get to the number 3 I think or say, “Be still and know that I am Father, Son and Holy Spirit God.” I have a very dear friend who claims she never prays to the Son or the Holy Spirit, only to God the Father. But for me, I find it important to at least ponder the triune God.

Next in my practice I count in foreign languages, hopefully keeping future dementia at bay! In German…”sechs… funf…vier…Der Vater, Der Sohn und Helige Geist….” Then Spanish…”seis…cinco…cuatro…El Padre, El Hijo y El Spirito Santo….” Etc.

I find these two verses leave me centered and peaceful. “Be still and know that I am God.” And I get to “pray without ceasing,” well kinda, sorta!

—John Koza