The Practice of the Presence of God

One of the many areas I need to improve in my life is being constantly aware of the Presence of God.  Brother Lawrence was a monk who desired to spend every moment in constant fellowship with God. Here are a few quotes from Brother Lawrence that I found helpful in my journey.  These quotes come from the book The Practice of the Presence of God with Spiritual Maxims.

"In the beginning of his novitiate he spent the hours appointed for private prayer in thinking of God, so as to convince his mind of, and to impress deeply upon his heart, the divine existence, rather by devout sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by studied reasonings and elaborate meditations." (p. 28)

Instead of studing Scripture to grasp some big theological issue, Brother Lawrance spent his time on studying who God is, and filling his thoughts with the character of God.  When spending daily time in prayer, we can so easily get distracted by interpreting and understanding different passages, that we often fail to notice how God is revealing himself in the passage. 

Brother Lawrence also chose to focuse on conversing with God rather than elaborate prayers. I am sure we have all experienced praying with women who have prayed for show rather than out of a sincere fervancy to commune with God.

"he exercised himself in the knowledge and love of God, resolving to use his utmost endeavor to line in a continual sense of His presence, and, if possible never to forget Him more." (p. 29)

I wish I could say that I exercised myself in the knowledge and love of God that I was never pulled away from the continuous thought of my Awesome God.  Yet, for me personally, when I go about my daily tasks, I am often pulled away from meditation on God and my thoughts turn towards my present endeavors.

I will share more at another time, but here are some small tidbits to chew on.  I would love to hear how you focus your mind and thoughts to continually focus on God.