Practicing the Presence
In seminary, I read Brother Lawrence’s book The Practice of the Presence of God. The book was a compilation of his writings published posthumously, but their overall theme is the development of an awareness of the presence of God, even in some of the most mundane moments. The one that stuck out was Lawrence engaging in this awareness while sweeping the floor. This book influenced my practice of the Lord’s presence when I have coffee with Jesus every morning.
A couple of years ago, I adopted the practice of committing Love-Mischief with God (practicing His presence), especially when I am out and about at the grocery store, etc. Hafiz provided this gift in his poem “The Seed Cracked Open.”
About a year ago, I also added my own trigger to practice the presence. Every time I see the number 42, I practice the presence. I acknowledge the Lord when driving at 42mph or passing exit 42. I see him when the temperature is 42 or when I turn to page 42 in a book. I experience Him when my Bible chapter or verse is 42. (See Psalm 42, Isaiah 42, Matthew 10:42, Luke 6:42, Acts 2:42)
I encourage you to practice presence in your lives in good, bad, and mundane times. Because 42 is always present at all times!
SEARCHING FOR 42 