Practicing the Presence of God
Objective: The purpose of the Practicing the Presence of God exercise is to cultivate a continuous awareness of God’s nearness in every moment of daily life—not just during prayer or worship, but in the ordinary, mundane, and even challenging tasks. Rooted in the teachings of Brother Lawrence, this practice helps believers shift from compartmentalized spirituality to a life of constant communion with God. It trains the heart and mind to remain attuned to His presence through gratitude, inner stillness, and intentional focus, fostering deeper intimacy with God, greater peace, and a transformed perspective that sees all of life as sacred.
How To Do This
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Begin your day by consciously inviting God into it. Pray something simple like, “Lord, help me be aware of You today.” This sets the tone and orients your heart toward Him from the start.
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Use physical or mental cues to return your focus to God throughout the day. This could be a note on your desk, a phone alarm, or associating common actions (like washing your hands or walking through a door) with a brief prayer or moment of awareness.
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Talk to God throughout your day in short, honest phrases. You don’t need formal prayers—just simple thoughts like, “Thank You for this moment,” or “Help me love this person well.”
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At the end of the day, pause to reflect: When did I sense God’s presence today? When did I forget? Thank Him, ask for grace, and keep practicing. Over time, this awareness becomes more natural and joyful.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 28:20, John 15:4
Origin: The practice of "Practicing the Presence of God" originates most famously from Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (c. 1614–1691), a humble 17th-century Carmelite lay brother in France. Though the idea of God’s constant presence is deeply biblical and present in earlier Christian traditions, Brother Lawrence articulated a simple, profound, and accessible way of living it out that has deeply influenced Christian spirituality ever since. After his death, his teachings were compiled into a small book called: "The Practice of the Presence of God"
This collection of his conversations and letters has become a classic of Christian devotion.