By Sanyika Calloway
A Prayer for Paying Attention
There is a quiet transformation that begins the moment we choose to pause.
Not the hurried pause we take while our minds continue racing ahead, but the deeper pause that invites us to soften, breathe, and become aware of the life unfolding right where we stand.
In a world that asks so much of our attention, noticing becomes a spiritual practice. It reminds us that God is not only found in grand revelations or mountaintop moments, but in the subtle, ordinary details that we often walk past without a second thought. The warmth of sunlight on the floor. The steadiness of our breath. The whisper of our own inner truth rising to the surface.
The Art of Noticing is, at its heart, an invitation to return to ourselves—slowly, gently, and with compassion. It is a reminder that we belong to a God who sees us fully, even when we have forgotten how to see ourselves.
Today, may this simple prayer guide your noticing:
A Prayer for Noticing
Loving God,
Slow me down enough to recognize the gifts that surround me.
Open my eyes to the beauty I overlook,
the people I rush past,
the emotions I set aside,
the quiet ways You are already here.
Teach me to notice without judgment,
to listen without fear,
to soften without losing my strength.
When my mind is scattered, gather me.
When my heart is heavy, steady me.
When my spirit grows tired, breathe life back into me.
May the art of noticing become a way of honoring You—
in the sacredness of this moment,
in the miracle of my own breath,
and in the unfolding path ahead.
Amen.
As you move through your day—whether in stillness or in motion—may you find that God is present in every detail, patiently waiting for you to notice. And may each moment of awareness draw you a little closer to peace, to presence, and to the deep well of grace that sustains us all.
About the Author
Sanyika Calloway is a massage therapist, stretch practitioner, and yoga instructor whose work centers on embodied healing, mindful movement, and trauma-informed care. Drawing from over two decades of teaching, wellness practice, and spiritual formation, Sanyika creates spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves through breath, awareness, and gentle presence. Her offerings weave together the wisdom of the body and the grounding of contemplative practice.
Join Me for The Art of Noticing Retreat
If this reflection speaks to you, I invite you to join me for The Art of Noticing retreat at the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center on Tuesday, January 20th. Together, we will explore practices of presence, compassion, and embodied awareness—learning to notice not only the world around us, but the sacred wisdom within.
I would be honored to share this day of renewal and quiet discovery with you.