The Practice of His Presence
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“I think of you through the watches of the night” (Psalm 63:6).
I’ve found myself hungering for the presence of God in a deeper way than I’ve experienced before. My heart’s desire is to have the same longing that David had in Psalm 63. David knew that God would continually satisfy the deep longings of his soul. David speaks of his thoughts toward God through the watches of the night.
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To live in an attitude of quiet prayer as I go about my day is what I strive for.
Our thoughts towards God—simple quiet prayers, however fleeting, remind us that God is with us and that His Spirit is alive in us.
Nicholas Herman was a man who experienced the value of orienting his thoughts towards God. Born in the 15th century, an unschooled clumsy man, he had an encounter with God that led him to join the Carmelites of Paris in 1666. He was known forever after as Brother Lawrence. His conversion at age 18 led him on a personal quest to dwell in the presence of God. I read his letters recently in a small book entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s labor of love was played out in a humble kitchen. Not his favorite place to be by any means, but his life-long endeavor was to season every task however insignificant with love for the Father and constant prayer.
We can live in the presence of God by committing each new day to the Father’s care and inviting His Holy Spirit to accompany us. God is as close as the breath on your lips as you acknowledge His presence in your daily tasks. Brother Lawrence’s prayer was simple:
“Lord of all pots and pans and things….
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates!”
Dear Father, help us this day not to be weary of doing the little things for the love of God. Help us to learn to live in your presence no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Question: What demanding tasks in your schedule do you face today? How can you effectively incorporate His presence during that time?
About the author Beverley Rayner
I read this devotional with great interest and I am so glad there is no mention of contemplative prayer. I heard an account in a sermon many years ago about a charlady in England who prayed along with what ever task she was doing … scrubbing floors, dusting furniture and applied spirituality to it besides remembering dozens of missionaries.
Would just like to comment that Nicholas Herman would have been born in the 17th Century (dates preceding with 16..) if he were to join the Carmelites in 1666. It is only year 2010, but we are in the 21st Century.
I just feel lonely tonight. The only one awake. And I feel a real need for prayers. Thank you all :-} .
This devotional inspired me to read this book about Brother Lawrence, “who tried to live his entire life by the love of God,… such that God’s love motivated every single action he undertook”… THIS is how I would like to live exactly. He was kind and loving to others. He also wrote: “The time we spend in daily duties are not different from times of formal prayer. I enjoy God with as much tranquility when busy at work in the kitchen—where many people frequently call upon me for various duties—as I am on my knees receiving communion.” … That is awesome. Thank you for introducing me to Brother Lawrence in this devotional. I will read more about him. :)