What Is F.L.O.W.?
FLOW is a simple daily rhythm inspired by the historic Christian practice known as the Practice of the Presence of God. Through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and worship, FLOW helps believers cultivate a growing awareness of God’s presence throughout the ordinary moments of daily life. The name FLOW stands for four gentle movements: Focus, Listen, Observe, and Worship. Together, these movements create a simple pathway for learning to live with greater attentiveness to God. FLOW was intentionally designed for Sacred Rhythms to remain approachable and accessible for those who may feel unfamiliar with historic Christian practices.
The inspiration behind FLOW comes in part from Brother Lawrence, the seventeenth-century Carmelite monk whose writings on the Practice of the Presence of God have encouraged Christians for generations. Brother Lawrence believed that every moment of life—even the most ordinary tasks—could become an opportunity for fellowship with God. The goal was not merely to have occasional spiritual experiences but to learn to remain aware of God’s presence throughout the day.
The first movement is Focus. FLOW begins by intentionally turning attention toward God through Scripture. Readings often include selections from the Daily Office, Psalms, Proverbs, and other passages designed to help establish a daily rhythm of engagement with God’s Word. Rather than rushing through large amounts of content, FLOW encourages slow and attentive reading. The purpose is not simply to gain information but to become more aware of God, who continues to speak through Scripture.
The second movement is Listen. After engaging Scripture, FLOW creates space for prayer. Guided prompts help believers respond to God through themes drawn from the Lord’s Prayer, including surrender, gratitude, forgiveness, daily provision, and guidance. Prayer becomes more than presenting requests; it becomes an opportunity to listen, respond, and remain present with God.
The third movement is Observe. Throughout Scripture and Christian tradition, believers are encouraged to pay attention to the activity of God in everyday life. FLOW invites reflection on moments of gratitude, challenge, peace, distraction, conviction, or grace. By learning to notice these moments, believers begin developing the kind of attentiveness that lies at the heart of the Practice of the Presence.
The final movement is Worship. FLOW concludes by returning attention to praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. Worship reminds us that God’s presence is not limited to our devotional moments but accompanies us throughout the day. As we leave our time of prayer and reflection, we do so with a renewed awareness that God remains present in our work, relationships, responsibilities, and ordinary routines.
For many people, FLOW serves as an accessible introduction to historic Christian practices such as the Daily Office, Lectio Divina, contemplative prayer, silence and solitude, or the development of a personal Rule of Life. Yet FLOW is not primarily about mastering spiritual disciplines. Its deeper purpose is to help believers learn the simple habit of living with God throughout the day. One Scripture reading. One prayer. One moment of attentiveness at a time.
Steve Lawes serves as the lead pastor of Keys Vineyard Church, founder of the Online Bible Institute Network, and leads the Christian Practices initiative through Tower of Praise, Inc. His heart is to help people grow in a steady and authentic relationship with God through simple, accessible rhythms of Scripture, prayer, and spiritual formation.
