21st September 2024

Last time, I talked about how important it is to practice the presence of God, as described by Brother Lawrence in his book, Practicing the Presence of God. It’s a great discipline to help us focus on God, pray more and meditate on the wonders of God’s love. We shouldn’t mistake this as a passive thing, either on our part or on God’s side. When we practice his presence, we are engaging our minds and spirits to actively turn away from the distractions and temptations of this life and turn to him. 

It’s certain God isn’t doing nothing while we practice his presence. When he was accused of working on the Sabbath, Jesus told his disciples that his Father was always working, and he was always working too (John 5:17). God’s Spirit is active, engaged, and delivering toward us at all times and when we turn our minds toward him continually throughout our day, we can be sure that he is actively listening to our thoughts and prayers; he is engaged with our spirits as we commune with him; and he is our deliverer – answering our cries for help, strength and grace. 

The phrase ‘active, engaged, and delivering’ can be used as a breath prayer while we are learning to practice his presence. It’s a way to draw ourselves into a posture of attentiveness to how he is at work in our lives, how he is always engaged on our behalf and how he is there, watching over us, as our loving Shepherd, delivering us from fear and evil.

Local congregation:You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church