How to have a powerful conversation with God
This is my final devotion about the wonderful book The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence, published in 1692.
I came across a teaching that really resonated with me on page 48 of the 2003 edition I've been reading:
"Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules, or particular forms of devotion, but act with a general confidence in God, with love and humility."
Brother Lawrence implores us to commune directly with God without relying on rote prayers, creeds or traditions. As a monk, he would know about these things. He says they can limit our intimacy with God.
Plus, he says, a constant conversation with God is easy. It's not physically taxing and can even be done while we work.
As I wrap up my study of this classic book, I want to highlight one more principle that has arisen in my mind as I've read.
It is that there is a conversation God has already begun with us in the Bible. We just need to join in.
As you read its pages, allow God to speak to you. Study his words, ponder his thoughts, grapple with his commands. Talk back to him as you read. Ask him questions, seek his direction, worship him.
His promises are many, his extravagant grace available for any who want it. He has assured us that our conversation with him will continue throughout eternity. He will reveal new wonders to us even as he gives us rest from all pain, tears and stress.
As you practice the presence of God in your life and work, I pray he helps you remember and rejoice that Jesus—if you have placed your faith in him—will never leave you anytime in this life. He doesn't just talk with us; he walks with us.
May you find intimacy with Jesus as you place your faith in him.
I'll end with one more quote from our Brother Lawrence (found on p. 44):
"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God."
Seeking that life,
Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
LinkedIn profile | My books
 | Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More » |
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