THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Brother Lawrence, a monk from the seventeenth century, said, “We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him. And when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure.” Brother Lawrence described this continuous practice of the presence of God as a “quiet, familiar conversation with Him.”

Walking in the loving presence of God daily and making each day one continuous prayer can be compared to the biblical challenge to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But how is it possible to fellowship with God continuously? Can it become as natural as breathing? LaVerne and I believe it can.

Living minute by minute in the presence of God takes practice. It’s a bit like learning a new language. At first we are hesitant and uncertain about sounds and nuances. However, as we practice communicating in the new language, we become adept in recognizing its distinguishing sounds.

Practicing the presence of God takes place as we learn to tune our spirit to loving the Lord with our whole heart, soul and mind. Even when He seems to be silent for a season, we recognize that God is faithful and is working behind the scenes.

This blog is a condensed excerpt from our new book just released: When God Seems Silent. In this book, LaVerne and I open our hearts and share what we have learned during times when God seemed to be silent. If you are interested in reading more, this book can be purchased on-line at a one-half off introductory price at

http://store.dcfi.org/products/when-god-seems-silent/