Ever since I heard about the book by Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God, I have puzzled over what it means to pray continually, as you go about your day-to day living. The book is a series of letters about his daily living and how everything he does is done for God.
How in the world does that play itself out practically? I am so easily distractible, that once my day gets going, it’s like a racehorse out of the gate. Zoom, and I am off on what I perceive is my agenda for the day.
However, I am slowly getting glimpses of what praying continuallly looks like in my own life and want to share these tidbits with you. It is making life much more intriguing and encouraging as I have this running conversation throughout the day with God.
Starting the Day with Sacred Moments
I have found that starting the day with God gets me off on the right foot. It’s like having a cup of coffee with your best friend. You have an opportunity share what’s on your heart and hear what’s on His heart for you.
The way I do this is through journaling and reading a portion of scripture, devotion or inspirational reading. Morning pages is a technique of writing in a journal your thoughts, hopes, dreams – whatever comes to mind. I write in my journal, like I am talking to God. I often write out scripture as well with my name in it so I feel like God is talking His words back to me.
For example these words spoke volumes to me at a particular challenging time:
Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.)
Really, God, I am to celebrate this unwanted circumstance? Yes, that was His answer to me and keep my focus on Him, not the circumstance. As it has turned out, the circumstance has brought untold blessings into my life, as He knew it would.
Moving into the Day
Armed with a word, scripture or framework for the day, I look for God’s fingerprints throughout the day. Having this mindset that God will show Himself, I think, is what Brother Lawrence was referring to as he gave everything to God.
I have a running conversation with God throughout the day. I never thought that would or could happen. What do you think about this God? Would you bless the owner of this restaurant God? Help me be sensitive to your spirit as I meet with this next client God.
By being more aware, I am finding myself in two schools of thought. One thought is how inadequate I am without God. He is showing me where I fall short and how much I need Him. The other is when I rely on Him to direct my path, how much easier my work can be.
The End of the Day
I am still not very good at reflecting at the end of the day, although I am getting better at noticing the satisfaction that He brings. I am a morning person, not a night person so by the end of the evening, I am done. Yet, I am getting more and more a sense of His favor as I keep this conversation going and more gratitude wells up within.
The Takeaway
Many of these sacred moments throughout the day are new as I have slowed down for silence and solitude and reflection points. It seems counterintuitive to work less and accomplish more. I feel that is God’s economy, though.
What about you? How can you begin to bring more God conversations into your day, celebrating and giving thanks for the work He is giving you on a daily basis?
He delights in each of us and wants to partner in the work He has called us to do. May you see the blessings, even in the hard parts, as you listen, reflect and pray continually.
Join me at Sacred Moments for how silence and solitude and praying continually is increasing your ability to work. I would love to hear your stories.
Nancy Booth is a certified spiritual director. She walks alongside women who are seeking God’s fingerprints in their lives and want more awareness of what their own true identity is. She helps women shed hurry, worry and disconnect as they seek to hear God’s voice in everyday living.