Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere

The chapter begins with her recounting a visit to a church in New York City, where a priest introduced her to “God’s telephone number” (55) found in Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (56).

Guthrie discusses the challenges of prayer, noting how difficult it can be due to distractions, emotional barriers, and doubts about its efficacy. She acknowledges that her prayers often devolve into worry sessions or to-do lists, making it hard to maintain focus. She emphasizes that prayer is about intentionally turning to God, even in moments of deep need or helplessness. The chapter highlights the notion that the Holy Spirit intercedes for individuals with “wordless sighs” when one doesn’t know what to pray for, referencing Romans 8:26.

The key takeaway is the idea that simply showing up for prayer is enough. The act of praying itself, regardless of the immediate outcome, builds a connection with God. Guthrie encourages individuals to remember that God is always ready to listen and respond, reinforcing the belief that “You place the call. Yours is one he will always pick up” (60).

Guthrie uses the metaphor of God as the Shepherd and us as His sheep, emphasizing that to hear God’s voice, individuals need an intimate connection with Him. She questions why humans are compared to sheep, which she considers an unimpressive and often dumb animal but acknowledges that sheep discern their shepherd’s voice, just as people should learn to recognize God’s voice amidst the noise of people’s often busy lives.

Guthrie draws a parallel to her own experiences as a mother, describing how her newborn daughter recognized her voice immediately due to their intimate connection. Similarly, to recognize God’s voice, people must spend time with Him, building a relationship where individuals understand His tone and intentions.

She shares a personal anecdote about a challenging time in her life when she felt abandoned and prayed for deliverance. During this period, she unexpectedly felt a divine message: “I am rescuing you” (68). This revelation, although not immediately comforting, became a pivotal moment in her faith journey, teaching her that God’s rescue often comes through the very trials individuals endure.

The chapter concludes with the notion that God speaks individual “love languages” and knows how to connect with each individual uniquely. Guthrie recounts a story from a friend named Susan, a Jewish anthropologist who found God in a simple Irish church service conducted in Gaelic—a language she didn’t understand. This story illustrates that God can communicate His love and presence in ways beyond words, tailored to each person’s heart and circumstances.

Guthrie explores the concept of resting with God through the practice of Lectio Divina, a form of meditation involving repeated readings of scripture with interspersed silence. Despite trying to visualize what it means to “rest with God” (75), she finds it challenging to imagine a comfortable scenario. Her mind frequently wanders, and she struggles to find a visualization that feels right.

The chapter illustrates the difficulty of truly resting and being present with God. Guthrie attempts various mental images, such as lying in a field or sitting in a chair next to God, but none feel quite right. She reflects on how her daughter struggles to sleep and how she provides comforting thoughts, paralleling her own search for spiritual rest.

The narrative transitions to a memory of holding God’s hand for comfort as a child, which leads to a reflection on God’s omnipresence. She realizes that God is not confined to a physical space but is present everywhere—in the air, the breeze, her breathing, and her listening. Guthrie concludes that true rest with God involves letting go of effort and simply being present, allowing God to do the rest.

She describes her family’s bedtime prayer routine, noting how it often gets interrupted by her children’s everyday concerns. Guthrie reflects on how prayers can sometimes turn into moments of frustration or become agenda-driven, similar to the Pharisee’s prayer in the Bible, which she relates to her own experiences of struggling with prayer.

Guthrie emphasizes that prayer can be challenging due to various distractions, emotional states, and overwhelming concerns. She shares a personal anecdote of praying during a difficult period in her mid-thirties, where she received a surprising thought that provided comfort and a sense of God’s presence, even though she initially felt abandoned.

The chapter highlights the concept that prayer doesn’t need to be perfect or filled with the right words; even a sigh or a tear can be a form of prayer. Guthrie also introduces the idea of using imagination in prayer, inspired by author Shauna Niequist. When words fail, visualizing loved ones in peaceful and joyful scenarios can be a powerful way to connect with God and foster love and empathy.

She recounts a childhood memory of staying at her cousin Teri’s house in Phoenix, where she was introduced to Psalm 23 from the Bible. Teri asked her to memorize it, giving her a sense of maturity and responsibility. Despite the archaic language of the King James Version, Guthrie found that the Psalm resonated with her deeply.

Over the years, Psalm 23 became a source of comfort and guidance for Guthrie. She describes how the Psalm has been a constant companion, helping her through sleepless nights and moments of anxiety by reciting its verses and visualizing its tranquil imagery of green pastures and still waters. This visualization serves as a spiritual anchor, providing her with a sense of peace and rest.

Guthrie also reflects on the broader significance of Psalm 23, interpreting its lines to meet various human needs—physical, spiritual, safety, identity, perspective, hope, and eternity. She emphasizes the Psalm’s message of rest and trust in God’s provision and care. Guthrie’s personal translation of Psalm 23 captures the essence of God’s nurturing and protective nature, highlighting the deep, personal relationship she has with God through this sacred text.

The chapter concludes with Guthrie’s realization of how her daughter’s name, Vale, which means “peaceful valley,” echoes the imagery of Psalm 23. This connection reinforces her belief in God’s intricate and thoughtful presence in her life.

Guthrie reflects on the impact of Mister Rogers and the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks. She recalls her own childhood memories of watching Mister Rogers, including a moment when she felt she was outgrowing the show but wanted to please her mother by continuing to watch it.

Mister Rogers, known for his gentle demeanor and educational approach, was also a Presbyterian minister who prayed daily for people by name. Guthrie describes a scene from the film where Rogers is shown praying for people by simply reciting their names, without additional narrative or requests. This practice inspired Guthrie to incorporate a similar approach in her own prayers, finding it powerful and bonding.

She emphasizes that praying for others by name fosters a connection and softens any emotional edges, acting as an expression of love and trust in God. This method of prayer can be especially meaningful in times of distraction or emotional burden, as it simplifies the act of prayer and entrusts the outcome to God.

In conclusion, Guthrie encourages individuals to adopt this practice of praying for others by name, suggesting that even in busy or troubled times, lifting up the names of loved ones to God can be a loving act of faith.