A Continual Conversation with God
As I’ve mentioned a few times this week, it’s been a crazy, busy week. And it isn’t over yet! Friday night and Saturday I will be attending our Women’s Retreat, and then right after that my son comes home from his youth retreat that he’s been at since Monday. There has been no time to write a Saturday post and I knew I wouldn’t have my usual leisurely Saturday morning to write it. So I decide to reuse and schedule something I wrote early in my blogging, a post that had not been viewed very many times but that I think offers a great perspective on prayer.
This quote from Brother Lawrence came in my Quotemeal daily email: “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” That’s easy for a monk to say. What did Brother Lawrence have to do all day but be in “continual conversation with God.” But how does one do that with a full-time job, kid, and other commitments?
And yet, scripture calls us to do just what Brother Lawrence suggests. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually,” “pray without ceasing,” or “Never stop praying,” depending on the translation you choose. Prayer is basically a conversation with God. I love this verse, but I used to have a hard time figuring out how to put it into practice.
If you think of prayer as the time during which you get on your knees and ask God for all the things you need or want, and tell Him about your family and friends who are sick or in trouble, and plead with Him to fix all your problems. Then you get up and go about your day. There’s no time for continual conversation.
One day it occurred to me that this is the wrong way to think about prayer. Instead, I began to think of prayer as spending time with my best friend. When I spend time with a good friend, we can both be in the same room doing different things and not even talking. But I always know that if I have something to say my friend will listen. And if my friend says something to me, I will be there to hear.
God’s Word tells me that He is always there for me; He is everywhere and wherever I am. If I always remember that, then I can easily “pray without ceasing.” Wherever I am at anytime, if I need someone to talk to He will listen because He is my friend. I also need to be aware that He may have something to say to me and be always ready to listen to that “small still voice.” Continual prayer doesn’t require constant words; it requires only continual awareness of the presence of God. In this way, even the busiest life can be sweet and delightful.
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I am not saying that I have mastered it – I haven’t – but “practicing the presence of God” has been a great experience, especially during hectic times of busy-ness.
“Practicing the presence of God” requires waking up with the thought of entering the day with God, like – “Good morning, Lord. What have You planned for us to do together today? Help me to keep on track and not go my own way.” Then, every task we consider, we refer to Him, knowing that He is right there and that He is ready to guide and help. The whole day becomes a communication – a two-way communication.
As I say, I often START right but all too often I leave my Saviour standing, waiting, with a sad look, while I go about my own way. However, the times when I have depended on Him throughout the day have been a very real blessing and I wonder why I don’t ALWAYS seek Him in every little detail.
I have not mastered it yet, either, but continue to practice and have improved over the years. I know what you mean about the days of not waiting for the Lord. At the end of such days I wonder how they got so hectic and stressful, then remember that I failed to rely on my greatest source of strength. And like you, on the days when I keep close beside Him all day I wonder why I don’t do it every day! Peace, Linda
Thank you, Linda
” Continual prayer doesn’t require constant words; it requires only continual awareness of the presence of God.”
This jumped off the page at me… I think it lends understanding to the ‘pray without ceasing’ verse.
Thanks for sharing these gems with us today.
Blessings
ann
Ann, There are days when I wish I had a life like Brother Lawrence, but most of the time I’m content with where I am. Given my present life situation, the only way I can “pray without ceasing” (my favorite translation) is to think of it in terms of awareness of His presence. Peace, Linda
I love how you made this so doable for yourself and all of us! 🙂 Thank you so much for re-posting and God bless your weekend with Him!
Deb, The Women’s Retreat was wonderful. Our first session this morning was about being still and knowing that He is God. I thought of having posted this and how we can be still in our spirit, knowing He is God, even when we are busy with the day to day things of life. Peace, Linda
Amen!
Thanks for the wonderful affirmation! Peace, Linda
The clamour of the world will do all it can to spoil a special relationship with the Lord. It’s a relationship that I cherish. Thanks for reminding me that the time is ‘now’.
Myfanwy, It’s a relationship I cherish as well. What is so wonderful is that He cherishes His relationship with each and every one of us even more! Peace, Linda
Enjoyed reading your thought’s!
My God/Love, be your constant companion!
Bill/ginmillsinger
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment! It is wonderful to always KNOW that God is with us, loves us, and will never forsake us. Peace, Linda