7 Secrets to Practicing the Presence of God

So, you’ve been craving a deeper relationship with Jesus, but seem to keep falling short? Join the masses of ministers who have also struggled with this. The good news is, you don’t have to stay in that club. I didn’t.

If life is divided into two simultaneous realms – the natural and the spiritual – it would be true for most people that the majority of our time and consciousness is spent in the former. In fact, one of the greatest pursuits of those in ministry is to shift that balance from the natural to the supernatural… to hone and sharpen our reality of the presence of God… and to experience joy in it.

In my quest for this same reality, I came across a series of writings by a 17th-century monk named, Brother Lawrence. His spiritual classic book, “The Practice of the Presence of God” is a collection of conversations and letters between Brother Lawrence and others, in which he shares his insights and spiritual practices for attaining a deeper sense of God’s presence in daily life.

I quickly found Brother Lawrence’s passion for Jesus to be infectious, and couldn’t wait to mine the letters and start applying what I was gleaning. The central theme of the book is that one can maintain an awareness of God’s presence in every moment.

Here are seven habits, that I gleaned from his writings… Put them to practice, and it’ll help you develop a personal relationship with God through the cultivation of mindfulness and devotion.

1. Practice the presence of God

Brother Lawrence encourages readers to make a conscious effort to focus on God’s presence in every moment, through simple practices such as repeating the name of Jesus or focusing on a single word or phrase that represents God.

I’ve found in my daily devotions that God seems to be speaking to me. I’ll look for the word of phrase of the day that needs to be amplified in my life. When I dwell on it throughout the day, I find Him speaking to me through it, and His presence is obvious.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33)

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8)

2. Use everyday tasks as opportunities for spiritual practice

Brother Lawrence suggests that one can cultivate mindfulness and devotion even in the most mundane tasks, by performing them with love and attention to God. He wrote, “the time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen … I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees.” In his prayers, he would even say, “Lord of all pots and pans and things . . . make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!” 

What can we do in our daily tasks to practice His presence?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17)

3. Develop humility

Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance of humility in one’s spiritual practice, encouraging readers to let go of their ego and submit to God’s will. Acknowledging our own limitations and shortcomings helps us to rely more fully on God and cultivate humility in our hearts. W should regularly reflect on their own weaknesses and limitations, and to surrender them to God.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10)

“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

4. Cultivate gratitude

Brother Lawrence encourages readers to practice gratitude, by being thankful for everything, both big and small, that God has given them.

I have developed an uncounscious habit that has followed me for at least a couple of decades where I find myself saying, “thank you, Jesus” throughout the day. It’s a mindfulness of His presence and goodness. It’s no longer something I try to do, it’s just a natural part of my life. If God dwells in teh praises of His people, then practicing gratitude toward Him throughout the day draws Him near.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15)

5. Practice self-denial

Brother Lawrence suggests that we can develop spiritual discipline by regularly denying ourselves of things that we desire, in order to focus on God.

One obvious way to do this is through the practice of fasting, but there are other ways to deny our flesh as well. Entertainment, hobbies, spontaneous purchases, certain foods we crave, and even natural affection (for a time). Instead of giving in to our flesh, we amplify our pursuit of the Spirit.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25)

“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.” (1 Corinthians 7:5-6)

6. Seek the guidance of a spiritual mentor

Brother Lawrence encourages readers to seek guidance and advice from a spiritual mentor, who can help them deepen their spiritual practice.

Through interactions with mentors, we can gain insights and wisdom to help us grow in our relationship with God. We can also receive support and encouragement, and learn to overcome challenges and difficulties. If you feel led, feel free to reach out to me for a free consulting session.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14)

7. Cultivate love and charity

And finally, Brother Lawrence stresses the importance of love and charity, encouraging readers to practice these virtues towards all people, regardless of their circumstances or actions. 

One obvious way would be to serve others and perform acts of kindness. When we show the love of God to the world, we manifest Him even in own reality. 

Another way is to practice patience and tolerance with people. It’s easy to do with friends and people we love, but becomes more of a “practice” and even a challenge when we face difficulties or challenges in our relationships with others. But it’s here in the midst of conflict that Jesus promised to be present. Yeah, it’s true… that vese often taken out of context about low attendance crowds is actaully about Jesus helping us resolve interpersonal issues! Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18 is the conflict-resolution chapter!

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39)

“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

By putting these seven practices into action, we can experience a deeper sense of inner peace, joy, and fulfillment in our daily lives. Most importantly, we’ll learn to find the sacred in the ordinary… to live in a state of constant relationship with the Lord, and develop a deep awareness of His presence.

I hope you experience Him presently today!