Practicing the Presence

The spiritual discipline of practicing the presence is widely attributed to Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century Christian monk from France. In his journal, he wrote: “I make it my business to rest in His [Christ’s] holy presence which I keep myself in by a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God. This often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them and prevent their appearance to others.”

To practice the presence is to live in a deeper awareness of God’s activity in our lives. It is to pay attention and become more and more sensitive with where He shows up in our day. It is to see and experience every moment, whether good or bad, as a gift from God.

Suggestions for ‘Practicing the Presence’ throughout your day:

• Set and practice rhythms of living that bring God to mind throughout the day. 

For example:  

Before you attend a meeting or talk to someone you may say, 

“Lord I am here. Help me listen.” 

When faced with a problem or a setback, 

ask “Lord, what are you trying to teach me?”

• Intentionally notice God’s work as you engage in the activities and duties of life.

• Stop and pause throughout the day to listen to God.

• Live in gratitude and thank God for the little things.

• Start each task with the awareness that God is always with you.