A Simple Meditation to See Christ in the Moment

I once led a retreat for Airport Chaplains titled “Mastering the Ministry of the Moment”.  The premise was that God constantly places people in our path for a reason.  Too many momentary encounters pass without being noticed. 

This is certainly true in airport ministry, where everyone is passing through.  The opportunities could only last a minute or two.  It’s almost as true in ministering to the homeless.  Like the airport, no one is where they want to be forever.  Even in our day-to-day activities, God presents us with these ‘chance’ encounters.  Everywhere we go, there is an invitation to see Christ and make Christ present.

I handed each of the Airport Chaplains a laminated prayer card with a part of the prayer that is on the breastplate of Saint Patrick (see Saint Patrick Holy Card).  It provides a beautiful invitation to see Christ in the various moments of each day.  Here is the prayer:

Christ Be With Me Prayer

Christ with me.
Christ before me.
Christ behind me.
Christ in me.
Christ beneath me.
Christ above me.
Christ on my right.
Christ on my left.
Christ where I lie.
Christ where I sit.
Christ where I arise.
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me.
Christ in every eye that sees me.
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.  Amen.

I told the chaplains to pray it each morning before entering the terminal.  With each petition, pause and imagine Christ in the various places around the airport: the concourse above, the runway below, the food vendors in the alcoves, and the travelers walking about.

I sometimes use the same meditation with people who meet with me for spiritual direction.  I was surprised at the images that came forward.  One thought those ‘behind’ were the people who guided him in the past, those to the left and right were mentors accompanying him today. 

Another was struggling with a person who had made some false accusations.  He had to equally struggle with finding Christ in the mouth of this person who was speaking unkind words.  My question to him:  “What is Lord trying to say to you through this person?”

Another saw the weighty responsibility that comes with “Christ in every eye” and “Christ in every ear” that sees and hears me today.  She’s surrounded by a lot of gossiping and complaining at work, and is often tempted to join in.  She didn’t like the word “every”. 

Spend a few minutes with this prayer, thoughtfully pondering each image.  May Christ fill all the moments of your day.