The Practice of the Presence of God

by Brother Lawrence

offer our work to Him before we begin and thank Him afterward for the privilege of having done it for His sake. This continuous conversation should also include praising and loving God incessantly for His infinite goodness and perfection.

Our actions should unite us with God when we are involved in our daily activities, just as our prayers unite us with Him in our quiet devotions.

prayers consisted totally and simply of God's presence. His soul was resting in God, having lost its awareness of everything but love of Him. When he wasn't in prayer, he felt practically the same way. Remaining near to God, he praised and blessed Him with all his strength. Because of this, his life was full of continual joy.

We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, and anyone can have them.

continuing this practice of His presence, He becomes more familiar to us, and His presence becomes a natural thing.

by dwelling in the presence of God he has established such a sweet communion with the Lord that His spirit abides, without much effort, in the restful peace of God. In this center of rest, he is filled with a faith that equips him to handle anything that comes into his life.

The first means of acquiring the presence of God is a new life, received by salvation through the blood of Christ. The second is faithfully practicing God's presence. This must always be done gently, humbly, and lovingly,

so devoted to Jesus that he passed many hours, day and night, at His feet to render Him homage and adoration.