A new way to practice of the presence of God
I just finished leading a retreat which included reflections on practicing the presence of God. I used examples from the 17th-century spiritual classic, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
Brother Lawrence set a high bar for being in the presence of God. He said, “We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s Presence, by continually conversing with him.” (1st Conversation) Hear that: Continually.
His biographer adds, “With him, set times for prayer were no different than other times.” (2nd Conversation)
Brother Lawrence was not your typical spiritual master. He held a lowly position in a Carmelite monastery. He was their cook. Later, when he was unable to stand, he fixed their sandals. He humbly described himself as “a great awkward fellow who broke everything”.
Yet from this obscure position, people came from all over to seek his spiritual advice – both poor and rich, religious and clerics.
After a stint in the army, and serving as a footman, he found his home in a monastery’s kitchen. He seemed to have perfected practicing the presence of God there as well. “In the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen, he did each thing in its season, with an uninterrupted composure and tranquility of spirit.” Two virtues I need to practice.
To anyone who struggles between managing the daily demands of work and family, and at the same time maintaining a rich spiritual life, Brother Lawrence set another high bar. “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.” (4th Conversation)
Brother Lawrence inspired me to try practicing this presence. I took a hike on the trails at Lake Norman State Park. I imagined Jesus was walking behind me. He didn’t say much. It was like hiking on the Appalachian Trail with my son; silence was the norm. But I was constantly aware of his presence.
I then imagined how Jesus would view the landscape. Through his eyes, I saw incredible beauty, a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
Lastly, I imagined how nature would respond to the Lord of All Creation passing by. I then noticed a little shimmer in the leaves, a fluorescent glow in the blue sky, a whisper in the breeze, and a vibrant expectancy in everything around the trail. I recalled scripture, that if all were silenced in the presence of Jesus, even the “stones would cry out.” (Lk 19:40)
I haven’t reached the point where I can practice the presence of God all the time, but I got a better sense of what it might have been like for Brother Lawrence to continually ‘establish ourselves in God’s presence’.
How might you practice the presence of God this week?
Lord of all pots and pans and things…
Make me a saint by getting the meals and washing up the plates.
