Where I Want to Stay

I'm still on it.  The God's presence thing.  And it's very cool indeed!

There is a compilation of teachings from 17th century monk Brother Lawrence  called "The Practice of the Presence of God."   In it he writes, “He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”

All day, every day, there are little ways to introduce the awareness of the our Lord's nearness.  And I think that's what it is, it's the awareness of His Presence.  We know He is always with us, but we get so caught up in the day to day living that we forget to bask in the Lord's nearness.

I am so grateful that the Lord has started introducing this to my day.  It's a beautiful way to start the day, the quiet peace of just sitting at the Lord's feet.  And then throughout the day, stealing little moments to look up, be it in thanksgiving, or need, just a breath of peace from our heavenly Father as we acknowledge His closeness and care.

Lord, thank You that You are reminding me more and more to be aware of You.  Not just a quick prayed, complaint, or thanks, but to be focused on You for that moment as I bring myself to You.  I know this will just get better and better, and I pray that for all of us that we dig in deep to this practice.  You are amazing and the more we are cognizant of Your Presence in our life, the more filled with joy and peace we will be, the more available for Your work, the more we will grow in You.  I am so thrilled with this.  And I pray that all who read this will start to get to this wonderful nearness as well.  Lord, it's so easy for us to drift off, to lose focus and forget You are with us.   Lord lead us, remind us and help us!  There is no better place to be!!

Do whatever works for you to remind you of God's Presence in your day....notes, alarms, wristband, and of course, lots and lots of prayer!

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it."  Brother Lawrence