Creating Sacred Moments: Monthly Spiritual Practices to Connect with God in 2026
- Tracie Tackett
- Dec 31
- 4 min read
Happy 2026! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, yet I realize that for many of us, it also held disappointment and pain.
Heather Fields shares, "We hold great pain and great promise!"
That is the story of Christmas, Christ coming to be with us.
2025 brought many unexpected opportunities, such as becoming a life coach in the REALIFE Process. This journey has deepened my calling to spiritual formation for the sake of others and the church. One of my greatest joys is walking alongside people right where they are amidst life's pressures, inviting them to pause and make space for God to do what only He can do—give us rest for our souls and remind us we are His Beloved Children. I would love to chat if you or your team would like to learn more about Holy Pause! Reach out at tracie@holypause.com.
I have decided that each month in 2026, I will share a Spiritual Practice that will hopefully make space for you to experience God's presence more deeply, know Him more, and understand more of who He created you to be. They are called Practices as we aren't striving for perfection but intimacy with the LORD. It is one way we can deepen our intimacy with Him. I will also be sharing some new announcements and offerings soon! Stay tuned.
Are you needing time away from your busy life to connect with God? I will be offering a weekend retreat on February 20th-22nd at The Springs~In His Presence Retreat, I have two spots left. Check out all the details on our Facebook Group, Holy Pause. If you are interested, you can register here:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NIV
The Examen (to examine) is our Spiritual Practice for the month. You can print this off and use it as you spend time with God reflecting and growing. We practice Pausing, Praying, and Following. May this bless you as you journey with Christ. You can also do it with a friend or group.
Holy Pause… Pause to notice what is going on in and around you. Jesus is with you.
Breathe in and out a few times, slowly, noticing that this is the breath God gave you. It is a gift today... the present. To do His work and serve His people and share His love with others. Imagine Jesus sitting with you. He is simply being with you. Imagine Him as a tiny baby. His presence is peace, love, and gentleness.
Read these verses slowly and circle or underline anything that stands out to you.
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23 ESV
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14: 26-27 NIV
Carry these with you throughout your day.
Notice the ways the Holy Spirit works: advocates, teaches you, reminds you, and gives you peace.
As we wrap up 2025, I invite you to pause and spend a few moments practicing the Examen as we end this year. Imagine Jesus sitting with you as you look back and reflect on the following:
- God's Presence: Where did you notice God's presence in 2025? (I find it helpful to look back through my photos from the year to remember and reflect.)
- Resistance: During which hard moments did you feel resistance to God’s invitation?
- Desires: What do you need as you step into 2026? Name your specific desires and longings.
Pray… Invite the Lord into a conversation or sit with Him in silence listening.
- Gratitude: Offer a prayer of gratitude for His loving care throughout 2025, even in the difficult times. Maybe you want to write a prayer in your journal, or take a walk, or pray out loud or silently. Prayer is about a relationship with Jesus, so allow time for Him to speak to you if He chooses.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Follow… Help me go where you go.
Take a minute to notice your desires and longings. Is there a next step God is inviting you to take? Remember, He has already gone before you. He is giving you everything you need to take the step of surrender. It won't be easy, but He will carry you and give light to your path. Keep going. Keep following. Keep looking for His invitations! 2026 is full of opportunities to become more like Him!
Practice the Examen this month, daily or once a week. You could even have an Examen Journal. Once again, here are some questions and a prayer to guide you:
- God's Presence: Where did you notice God's presence in 2025? (I find it helpful to look back through my photos from the year to remember and reflect.)
- Resistance: During which hard moments did you feel resistance to God’s invitation?
- Desires: What do you need today or this coming week? Name your specific desires and longings.
- Gratitude: Offer a prayer of gratitude for His loving care, even in the difficult times.
Happy 2026!! May you experience more of God and carry the Light of the World to those whom God puts in your path.
May you find beauty in the small things,
Tracie Tackett
Spiritual Director/Life Coach/Retreat Leader
Invitations to a holy pause ~ holypause.com
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