(Reminder: on Sunday we studied John 15 which teaches about abiding in Christ so let’s put it into practice! Each day this week you will be given a spiritual practice that will help you to abide more deeply in Christ. For more Spiritual Practices, please visit our website: https://www.efcc.org/resources/)
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century Carmelite monk, is one of the best-known voices on intimacy with Christ. He called this solitude of the heart, “Practicing the Presence of God.”
Following a near-fatal injury during the Thirty Years War, Brother Lawrence entered a Carmelite Monastery in Paris, crippled, and became their cook. While his daily routine included completing the mundane tasks of a cook, he did so with a passion to know and be known; for his Lord to be ever present in every part of every day. During his almost fifty years as a monk, he was sought out by monks and outsiders alike due to the beauty of his soul. He was said to be, “never hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even, uninterrupted composure and tranquility of spirit. He claimed that this was not spirituality, but the practice of the presence of God in all ways and in all times.”
Practicing God’s presence begins with noticing. Noticing draws our attention to the creation that surrounds us and the Creator who has formed a beautiful tapestry of goodness, mercy and grace right before our very eyes. Noticing takes our attention off of ourselves and invites us into the presence of the Almighty. Following are some ways to notice God all around you.
Go for a walk outside.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Listen.
Smell.
Look.
Feel.
Ask God to reveal himself.
Call out names of God.
Call out his blessings.
Be still and know.
Practicing God’s presence is “developing habits for discerning an awareness of God’s presence.” The Bible uses phrases such as “abiding”, “remaining in Christ”, “walking with God” and “keeping in step with the Spirit”.
Following are 13 images that portray what it means to practice God’s presence. These are not once-and-done actions, but rather ongoing practices. Choose a few to read, ponder and practice during the time that you have remaining then look for ways to continue to practice these throughout the rest of your day.
Abide: John 15:4-5
Love: Matthew 22:37-40
Set your mind: Romans 8:5-6
Walk (in step with the Spirit): Galatians 5:16, 25
Set your heart: Colossians 3:1-2
Rejoice: Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Pray: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Give thanks (in all circumstances): 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Run (with endurance and perseverance): Hebrews 12:1-2
Submit/Offer (yourself): Romans 12:1-2
Press on: Philippians 3:12-14
Dwell: Philippians 4:6-8
Remember (God’s faithfulness and provision): Deuteronomy 8:2-3
“Men invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?” Brother Lawrence
Before the end of the day, share your experience with another person.