Practicing the Presence of God

                              by Teresa Carr

 

 

 

I was fortunate to have got a copy of a longtime treasure called The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. It’s one of those classics that never dies but leaves a valuable presence that changes one’s life. This is the collected writings of one such man, Nicholas Herman, born in France in 1611. Others called him Brother Lawrence. Those who knew him loved his joyful spirit. Brother Lawrence who lived an undistinguished life in the military and later as treasurer aide in Paris was attracted to the life of the Discalced Carmelites. He joined the monastery and stayed with them for the rest of his life. He served as cook in the community for the next thirty years and never sought to advance his life. It was here he humbly discovered the key to cultivate the continual presence of God. This truth continues through the centuries to bless Christians who truly seek to know God and feel His presence. Through Bother Lawrence’s prayer, Lord of all pots and pans and things . . . make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates! He was able to turn menial tasks and a commonplace into a living hymn to the glory of the Lord. It’s for that purpose we should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence by continual conversations with Him. When we do talk to God we should do it in a simple, frank, and plain way like one would talk to a best friend. We learn that doing the little things can turn out to be great things after all. Our only business in this life is to please God and nobody else.

 

How to Practice God’s Presence:

 

  1. Begin each day conscious of the Lord. Meditate on a hymn, psalm or other portion of Scripture will help you come before Him in worship:  “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty, Early in the Morning my song shall rise to Thee.” (Psalm 91:1, 4) He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.
  2. Read God’s word daily (Psalm 119, Romans 12:2).
  3. Pray to the Lord (Romans 12:1; I John 1:9; James 5:16; Philippians 4:6, 7). My presence shall go with thee (Exodus 33:14). Tell him your innermost thoughts. Ask Him for help in every difficulty. Nothing is too small to matter and nothing is too great.
  4. Let praise be the habit of your life (Thessalonians 5:18). I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). Let the Lord direct your path (Romans 8:28).
  5. Praise will produce joy (Nehemiah 8:10). Rejoice in the God of your salvation (Psalm 35:28).
  6. Learn to be quiet in the Lord’s presence. In a hectic, crazy world the Lord’s word, “be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). God speaks to a quiet, attentive heart. Read His word daily, it s stored in your mind for the Holy Spirit to call to remembrance.
  7. At the close of the day, rest in the Lord’s presence. Give thanks for His guidance. Meditate on His words; your last thoughts are of His faithfulness. A daily walk with the Lord is the blessed life. “In thy presence is full of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11).
  8. Most of all, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength (Matthew 22:37).

 

©2007, Teresa Carr, Mega Grafx® Studio

 

 

 

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