Practicing the presence of God through the wisdom of Brother Lawrence.
As we consider God's nearness, the best response I know is to develop a greater awareness of God's presence.
To help us learn how, I need to introduce you to Brother Lawrence. He wrote The Practice of the Presence of God, a book that has deeply shaped my life and walk with God. If you read it, you will find it to be a treasure.
For now, I'll share a few key insights. In The Practice of the Presence of God, we read that Brother Lawrence felt that, "to be constantly aware of God's presence, it is necessary to form the habit of continually talking with Him throughout each day."
His friend comments, "Brother Lawrence's heartfelt goal was to think of nothing but God. If he did allow some time to pass without thinking of Him, he did not grow upset about it. Once he confessed his weakness to God, he returned to Him with all the more confidence and joy because he had found himself so unhappy apart from God's presence."
The idea is simple - it just requires surrender:
"He said the most important part resides in renouncing, once and for all, whatever does not lead to God. This allows us to become involved in a continuous conversation with Him in a simple and unhindered manner.
All we have to do is to recognize God as being intimately present within us. Then we may speak directly to Him every time we need to ask for help, to know His will in moments of uncertainty, and to do whatever He wants us to do in a way that pleases Him."
One prayer that he would often pray, especially when he realized he was no longer aware of God's presence, is to simply say, "My God, I am all Yours; do what You will with me."
He renounced union with the world. He surrendered himself to God. He recognized that God was already present with him. He consecrated each moment of his life to knowing God's love and acting out of love for God. When it was otherwise, he just confessed it, and returned to his intent to live for God.
God is with us. My prayer is that we will practice knowing his presence.
Lord, you are my shepherd. I shall not want. You make me lie down in green pastures. You lead me beside still waters. You restore my soul. You lead me in paths of righteousness for your name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
In Christ's name, Amen.
(Psalm 23)
One key to Brother Lawrence's approach is renouncing whatever does not lead to God, allowing for an unhindered relationship with Him. Take a moment to prayerfully examine your own life. Are there any activities, attitudes, or attachments that are hindering your connection with God?
The simple prayer, 'My God, I am all Yours; do what You will with me,' encapsulates Brother Lawrence's posture of total surrender to God. Reflect on what it means to offer yourself completely to God. In what areas of your life do you struggle to relinquish control?
How has reflecting on 'God is known' deepened your trust in God?
Read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, or start practicing his simple prayer: 'My God, I am all Yours; do what You will with me.'
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