Press and Pray

How making morning coffee became holy

Every morning begins with a stellar cup of coffee made with my beloved Aeropress. Not only does it make the smoothest cup of coffee you ever sipped, but using it led to something holy.

I was gifted my first Aeropress when we got a trailer and I needed the ability to make coffee without using electricity. The travel version works like Russian nesting dolls and is compact as a standard mug when stowed.

The coffee was so amazing that I purchased a larger home version which I now use each and every day.

One morning my husband walked into the kitchen and saw me pressing my coffee.

He said, “Lorrie, it looks like you’re praying.” I wasn’t.

My guess is that I was already mulling over the day’s TO DO list while also having a heated internal argument about whether I should workout before or after I begin my writing work. This is a fruitless discussion since I know the answer is always BEFORE because AFTER usually means I don’t do it at all.

But Ron got me thinking.

Hey, if I’m already standing here looking like I’m praying, maybe it’s a sign that I should actually be praying.

And so, ever since that day, I’ve said The Lord’s Prayer while I press my coffee.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

With unexpected ease, I’ve fallen into a classic IF-THEN technique for creating habits that stick. Link a specific situation (the "if") to a desired action (the "then") so the habit is automated by creating a strong association between the cue and the response.

By the time I get to amen, my coffee is ready.

For thine is the kingdom

and the power

and the glory

forever.

Amen.

I use my left hand to pick up my favorite mug. The handle and heft are so perfect that I have two identical cups in case one is dirty.

I use my right hand to wrap around the rest of the mug for warmth.

In addition to coffee, this mass-produced mug from Starbucks holds a story. It’s decorated with a scene of my beloved hometown’s skyline. An image of Los Angeles City Hall sits right next to the handle. This is the reason I purchased the cup in the first place. My great grandfather, a stonemason, topped out the building in 1928.

All of that—comforting warmth, the scent of cinnamon, family lore, and an ancient prayer—are wrapped up in my first morning sip.

Slow. Savored. Nothing but divine.

---

Thanks for reading. I’m curious. What’s an IF—THEN habit that’s stuck for you? I’d love to add more to my repertoire.

Always writing,

P.S. Here’s a photo of the my great grandfather topping out LA City Hall in 1928. At that time, it was the tallest building in LA. He’s the gentleman in the white shirt with the X drawn on it. I love that this is part of my family history and I think about it whenever I drink from my favorite mug.

---