High Noon – – “Seven times a day I praise you…” Psalm 119:164

How do you spend your noon hour?
Most of us break for quick bite of lunch and rush though some errands that urgently snap up our time. Some may walk at a fast pace, working on their fitness while others put their feet up listening to the news. My hubby’s favorite noon time is watching Price is Right with Drew and the “Come on Down” challenge.

But how many of us pause, be present to God and pray? “Come on Down” may be God’s challenge to us to slow down and listen for Him over this midday stop.
The third time to pause is Noon.

Pause and Listen to the Lesson of the Hour
Light is the theme for the noon hour. The sun is at its peak with the day half gone. You know the old adage, is the cup half full or half empty? The same can be applied to the noon pause.
This pause gives us time to review the morning and recharge for the rest of the day.

Stretch and Grow
Wiederkehr offers us questions to ponder at noon time:

“Do we find ourselves focusing on the fact that the day is half gone or feeling delighted that much of the day is still ours with vast opportunities to use wisely?

Are we filled with a healthy acceptance of ourselves at this time of day?

Are we able to stand before the hour with an open heart?

Are we willing to make a commitment to move on into the afternoon with a hopeful and positive spirit?

Or are we battling what is sometimes called the noonday devil, the voice of discouragement?”

So let’s slow down at least for a brief pause each noon. Enjoy your meal with all of your senses engaged. Take a moment to look up at the sky. Smile. Thank the Lord for something from the morning activities and seek his wisdom for the afternoon plans.

A noon time prayer from Macrina Wiederkehr:
“Beautiful reflection of divine light, shine on me at this noonday hour. Rejuvenate and invigorate me. Renew my commitment to the tasks of this day. Lead me to my courage, Warm what has grown cold in me. Energize all that has become lethargic. Enliven my growing moments, In the middle of this day, help me to stand before my life with an open heart. In communion with all who have gone before me, I pray.”