Day 38 – A Big Mistake

Brother Lawrence said that “it is a big mistake to think that the period of mental prayer should be different from any other. We must be just as closely united with God during our activities as we are during our times of prayer.”

We tend to compartmentalize our lives. We separate the sacred and the secular. We separate faith and work. We separate the physical and the spiritual.

In contrast, consumed by God’s omnipresence, Brother Lawrence found God everywhere, whether he was praying in the community or repairing sandals in the shop.

Both his praying and his working were infused with God. He prayed over his work, and he worked as an act of prayer. He described not grasping this all-important principle as a big mistake.

Brother Lawrence was as closely united to God during regular prayer times as he was when busy with life’s activities. “Why differentiate?” was his question.

After all, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”, whether we’re working or resting, playing or praying (Hebrews 13:8).

I can consider God’s greatness always. I can take joy in the Lord all day every day. I can honor God in all that I do.

I can be just as closely united to God while watching a ball game or fixing a meal as I can while worshiping God or taking Communion.

Brother Lawrence’s counsel: “Don’t separate all life’s activities. Enjoy God’s nearness always and in everything. His presence surrounds you like being in a 360-degree omni-theater.”

The difference between our regular prayer times and the rest of our day? None.

God is always near and we are always loved by God.

Action Step: Read about God’s omnipresence in Psalm 139:7-12.

This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave