Practicing God's Presence

"Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NCV)-

The weekly bible study I am a part of has been studying spiritual disciplines. While we were studying "prayer and listening" we talked about the importance of practicing God's presence in our everyday lives. This is something that has really resonated with me. It is so easy, and possibly dangerous, to start your day with the Lord and then not remember Him until your day is over or maybe even the next morning. God is ever present and His presence is filled with beauty and grace. 

I rejoice that God calls us to be joyful in every circumstance. That He calls us to pray continually and always give thanks. I really do want to honor that call, but how? We live in a fast paced and time consuming society. How do you practice the presence of one whom you can not see? 

I do not have all the answers but I know in my life I began several years back to hear His call. I began to hear His call to prayer, to pray continually, and to be mindful of Him. I didn't read a book about how to do this. I didn't even seek the counsel of others. I simply asked God. I asked Him to help me answer the call to prayer. I asked Him to teach me what it looks like to pray continually. I asked Him to help me be mindful of Him. To see Him in the face of my kids. To see Him in the smile and nod of the greeter at the grocery store. To think of Him when I'm driving. To trust that if He brings someone to mind it's not a coincidence but a petition to pray on behalf of someone. 

All to often I feel we think of something like "practicing God's presence" as intimidating or too much work. We think we need to read a book or we just don't even try because it seems daunting. Do you know how much is to be missed by not trying? A savior who you can give thanks to with a pure heart with WHATEVER happens. 

God is ever present. He is mighty to save. He is longing to bring peace, joy, change, and correction into our lives. We have to take that first step and pray, "God teach me. Teach me to pray continually. Teach me to be mindful of you." If you open your heart towards God He will answer in ways your mind can not comprehend. It is such a joy to know that God is ever present. 

I frequently pray that God would help me to pray continually. You know what? I am in conversation with God all the time. Not because I am remembering to pray in my own power but because God is faithful to bring others and situations to mind.

 When we practice God's presence in God's power, not ours, beauty evades deep within our hearts.