FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023 THE PRESENCE OF GOD

 FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023 - SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS

Brother Lawrence (1611–1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, primarily working in the kitchen. His reflections, known as Practice of the Presence of God, have inspired countless Christians and other spiritual seekers to simple practices of con

templation and presence. He begins by encouraging us to pause during busy days to enhance our awareness of God’s presence.

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Some translations say for Luke 17:22, “The kingdom of God “is within you.”  Lately, I have been thinking of the vastness (and smallness) of God. I like to think that a “dot” of God is in every molecule, in EVERY atom.  

Let’s take what I know about atoms (which is very little!!). They seem to have a proton (center, electrons (circling the center), and neutrons (which also share the center with protons. Without understanding, I posit that God is in the proton. So God is IN everything. “Everything in the universe (except energy) is made of matter, so everything in the universe is made of atoms.” So, God is in everything!!!  

As for humans, God would be in every cell in our bodies. If (out on a tangent) God said, “Let cell #82,385,920 in Karen White’s body disappear”, that cell would go “poof” and be gone.  

We talk about the Holy Spirit being within us. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

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So, back to the introduction about Brother Lawrence - Practice of the Presence of God - if every cell is somehow connected to God, then every cell “wants” to be in the practice of the Presence of God. (do cells think???). Every cell wants to thank the Creator, God, He, She, It, The Force, Ah, for being the Creator. 

Can I practice the “presence of God”? Minimally, I do. I find myself chuckling at strange times - for the most unconventional of thoughts. I see the picture differently; the rug has a spot on it, and the patio door needs clearing. I know I hear, think, smell, touch, and perceive. My thoughts, actions, (whatever) have some underpinnings with God. 

Now, we can develop our relationship with God like Brother Lawrence. EVERYTHING we do is tied to God.  

Brother Lawrence was a kitchen helper. So, when he was peeling potatoes, he was in God’s presence; when he was doing dishes, he was in God’s presence; when he was boiling water, he was in God’s presence. And … not only in God’s presence - but as I understand Brother Lawrence, he was happy to be “IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.” 

Can we be in the presence of God - while doing whatever we are doing? Can I be in the fact of God while I clip my toenails? While I brush my teeth? (And, when I pray?) 

Just something to think about this week!!!

LOVE WINS

GOD IS LOVE

LOVE TRANSFORMS

GOD TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, JULY 28, 2023