God’s Presence
“It is not necessary to have great things to do. I turn my little omelet in the pan for the love of God.” – Brother Lawrence
In the late 1600 letters and recorded conversation of a monk by the name of Brother Lawrence were compiled into a book that was published around 1692-1694. “Practicing the Presence of God” had a profound effect on me many years ago when I first read it.
Recently while travelling with my husband he asked me if I had ever heard of this book. “Oh yes”, was what I replied as the thought of the book brought back impactful memories. Upon returning home I immediately went to the bookshelf and found it.
Brother Lawrence was a simple man. He lived a simple life. Born into poverty in France he became a soldier who eventually worked as a servant after being injured. He became a lay brother at a monastery in Paris. He developed a simple practice of talking to God constantly, in everyday moments.
This practice changed his life and I too I found life changing. I admit it is difficult to maintain focus on God throughout my day, I have found it’s so comforting when I do. The reassurance of God’s impact in my life can then flow easily and peacefully no matter in what situation I find myself.
It ought not surprise us the talking with God throughout our day in every simple and challenging task would be life changing. God’s promise is to be with us always. We need not ask Him to be with us. In Joshua 1:9 we read: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”.
In the book of Matthew we find these words from Jesus in 28:20b: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God is always with us.
We do have a role however in the relationship with God. Brother Lawrence’s practice was not revolutionary as this is what we are instructed to do in the Bible.
In James 4:8a we are given this insight: “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Jesus tells us in John 15:4a: “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you.”
Taking the practice that Brother Lawrence applied to his life is simple and yet challenging. It’s simple in that he practiced talking to God in all things and in all activities during hi day. This means for us that nothing is too small to talk God about:
- Brushing our teeth
- Making our lunch
- Driving to work
- Cleaning dishes
- Changing a diaper
- Writing a work proposal
The list literally never ends which is the challenging piece. We have so much in our heads and on our “to do list” that taking the time to talk to God in all the simple things, well, almost seems ridiculous. Yet it’s what God wants from us – to talk to Him in all things. We often paraphrase Philippians 4:6-7 when we say we are to pray about everything.
In the words of Brother Lawrence, “We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence by continually conversing with Him.” Try this for a day, a week or longer and you too may find this practice to be life changing.
JW