Brain Dump (07/24/2025)

I was talking with my oldest daughter on the phone. She shared with me her activities of the day, then she ended by telling me she had performed a “brain dump.” I stopped her. “What is a brain dump?” I asked her because it was a term I’d never heard. She explained that it was taking time to reflect on all the things weighing on one’s mind: plans, hopes, fears, dreams, chores, “to dos”, etc.  And I must admit that at that very moment my mind pictured myself at prayer.

Every one of us is unique, and so I can only imagine that each of our prayer times are somewhat unique even though we might have shared prayers, approaches, or actions. I know some individuals who use formalized prayer almost exclusively in their daily prayer regimen. I must admit that is not my methodology. My prayer time has always been more conversational with the LORD. So, my daughter’s term “brain dump” resonated with me.

I know when I am catching up with a friend or close relative, my conversation includes plans, hopes, fears, dreams, to dos, etc. And my conversation with the LORD, my beloved and loving Almighty Father, is the ultimate conversation. It’s like dumping the puzzle box, turning over all the pieces, and then painstakingly seeing the connections and “the picture” and joining it all together with the help of my “puzzle companion”. Prayer for me is like that most of the time. Oh, I use formalized prayer such as the liturgy of the hours, but most of my prayer time is conversational.

But part of that is because I pray all day. When I feel pressed, “LORD, help me.” When I hear of another’s need, “LORD, I bring X to You, care for them, comfort them, strengthen them. And, LORD, show me what I can do, what I should do, in this time of their need.” When I’m confused, “LORD, clear my mind, illuminate your will for me.” Or when I’m lost, “LORD, I’m lost. Find me. May I hear You and follow You.” I have hundreds of prayers because my days are different and things change, but my need for the LORD does not.

The LORD our God is all-present and all-loving. That is the first truth in my personal theology. So, anywhere, anytime, the LORD is with me. That isn’t the issue. The issue is whether or not I will turn to the LORD let the LORD guide my moments, my decisions, my direction. He who created the world knows the Way to everywhere.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.