Armies from three neighboring countries invaded the land of Judah and prepared to make war against King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah. The odds did not look good. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, to command the community to not fear. God declared through Jahaziel that the battle would not be theirs, but God’s; Judah must “take up their positions, stand firm, and see the salvation” the Lord would give (2 Chronicles 20:17).
I imagine the chaos, noise, and distraction bombarding Jehoshaphat and the assembly of Judah. In the midst of the confusion and disruption, the command of God to Judah involved positioning themselves, setting themselves, and stationing themselves. Strong’s concordance defines the original Hebrew wording as “to place, set, stand, set, station oneself, or present oneself.” Jehoshaphat and Judah were to station themselves because on the other side of this threshold the power and might of God would erupt. Read 2 Chronicles 20 for the exciting outcome.
In this instance, it seemed God identified the need for Jehoshaphat to pause in the midst of many voices, thoughts, and feelings. God directed Jehoshaphat and Judah to be still a moment. I expect that this pause of stationing themselves brought fortitude, focus, and faith in God Almighty. This space to breathe deeply with God offered the opportunity to release the commotion of battle and look to the One who battled for Judah. Before the battle, this threshold provided a resolute space to be with God.
Statio – (STAHT-tsee-oh) Derived from the Latin word of station, position, or watch. Representing a moment between moments.
Statio, as a spiritual practice, dates back to St. Benedict of Nursia, around 540AD. The practice, known as a holy pause, makes intentional space for the rhythm of stopping one activity before entering into a new one. Monks gathered in an area outside the chapel in silence, stationing themselves, gathering their minds and hearts with attentiveness to God before crossing the threshold into the chapel for prayer.
This practice of statio seems relevant for today. I find myself moving from one thing to the next without giving much thought. However, moments of pause throughout the day invite me to embrace margin, to slow, and to develop deeper awareness of the presence of God. When I station myself at thresholds of transition, I see the Lord more clearly.
Whenever we stop one thing and begin another we can practice statio. Statio is for the moment between moments. This provides space to look for God, notice his presence, and welcome His activity.
Before you get out of bed — statio, as you wait for your morning cup of coffee to brew — statio, in between emails or phone calls — statio, when waiting in line at the grocery store — statio, before opening the garage door — statio, after reading bedtime stories — statio, after walking the dog — statio, before getting out of the car — statio, before answering the phone or the door bell — statio, when putting on your shoes — statio, before walking into the building — statio, etc. These in-between moments of movement from one experience into another invite us to pause in order to notice the presence of God. Rather that rush from thing to thing — statio.
Let statio become an acronym to guide you throughout your day with holy pauses:
S – Stop. Physically stop all movement for a moment. Mentally, let your mind rest. Release thoughts swirling in head and energy coursing through your body. Become aware of your breathing.
T – Take a deep breath. Breathe in – hold – breathe out – hold. Notice your mind, heart, and body. Relax for a moment. Become present to the current moment. You are here.
A – Acknowledge where you have been before this moment. Observe what you were doing and from where you were coming. Recognize thoughts, feelings, and surroundings tied to the moment before. Notice without judgment or critique.
T – Thank God for His presence with you in the prior moment. Thank God that He is presence with you now, in this current moment.
I – Intercede for yourself and others. What do you need in this next space? How do you hope to experience God? Offer a simple prayer for yourself and those you encounter in the forthcoming space.
O – Onward. Move forward confident of the presence and care of God. Step into the new moment assured that God accompanies you into this new space.
As we practice statio, it becomes evident that every moment truly carries the potential of a holy encounter with God and others. Engage holy pauses throughout your day to increase your awareness of the loving presence and power of God within the ordinary moments of life. Grow in the ways you notice how God is with you and you are with God during the transitions of the day.
Statio – Station yourself and experience the Lord.
This week – – –
Reflect. Look back on your day. How have you gone from one thing to the next mindlessly? Notice without judgment, just awareness. In what ways would incorporating statio into your daily rhythms impact your relationships, stress, and connection with God? Try it for a day and reflect on the ways statio effected your fortitude, focus, and faith?
Request. God delights to be with you. He draws you to Himself. Ask God to open your eyes to His presence as you practice statio. Wonder with God about the ways stationing yourself with Him allows your perspective to shift towards Himself, others, and the demands of life.
Receive. Meditate on Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who saves; he rejoices over you with gladness; he quiets you by his love; he delights over you with loud singing.” Rest in the character of God. How might meditating on this verse carry over into the practice of statio? What does God invite you to receive from Him?
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Exodus 14:13 – Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
Psalm 67:1 – May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Selah.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
John Mark Comer. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World. Colorado Springs, CO. 2019.
Jay Y. Kim. The Pace of Peace: Distraction, Attention, and the Gifts of the Examined Life. Downers Grove, IL, 2026.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Alexander Pappas. Pause. Click here to watch & listen.
Jonathan McReynolds. Make Room. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Buena Vista, CO – Waterstone Church Women’s Retreat
October 24-28 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat – Breathe Deeply – A Soul Care Encounter for Women. Click here for Information – Spread the word to friends and family and make space to join me at this respite for your soul.
November 9-13 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund.
Thank you! 🌷
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot