Pressing In

Do you ever feel caught between striving and longing for rest?

Many of us press hard against the “rock” of responsibility — driven by deadlines, goals, and the pursuit of recognition, perfection or accomplishment.

Yet, somewhere deep inside, our souls crave something more enduring: a deeper rest in God.

This poem, “Pressing In,” is a prayer to step away from striving and rediscover peace at the heart of Divine presence — a reminder that the Lord invites us not just to do, but to be.

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Pressing In

/

Pressing hard against the rock

Where I race against the clock

Focused on to my earthly needs

Reliant on my urgent deeds

/

But do I need to work so hard?

Could I play another card?

Where effort yields a deeper rest

And helps me find Your very best

/

Help me not to overlook

The beauty I sometimes forsook

Help me slow and present be

So I can hear much more from Thee

/

Free me up to be at rest

Let my head lay on Your breast

Let me be and not just do

Let me press more into You

And hear Your calm and gentle voice

Where I can breath and so rejoice

My striving now no longer there

I'm now at rest in Thy sweet care

/

Bill Stark

10/19/25