Always Keep a Prayer on Your Lips

Dear Friend,

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.

~ from The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Years ago I overhead a conversation while in a dressing room in a department store. A grandmother and her young granddaughter were in the stall next to mine. 

Girl: "Grandma, I can say the Lord's Prayer! Do you want to hear it?"

Grandma: "Oh my! Why yes, I do!"

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Grandma: "Oh my pretty little precious baby! MmmMmmMmm" 

Girl: "I learned that in Sunday School." 

Grandma: "Always keep a prayer on your lips, Child."

Though I never spoke with them or even saw their faces, their conversation about prayer has stuck with me. I've often told my own children "Always keep a prayer on your lips." It's some of the best advice I can give. When a prayer is on our lips it's nearly impossible to fall into mischief! 

When he had failed in his duty [Brother Lawrence] only confessed his fault, saying to God, I shall never do otherwise, if You leave me to myself; it is You who must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss. After this, he gave himself no further uneasiness about it.

How do we pray continually?

In order to form a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we do to Him we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty.

We ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen. 

Our only business [is] to love and delight ourselves in God.

We ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in God, and make a total surrender of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us. 

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. Psalm 16:7-9

What advice, insights, or special memories can you share with me about prayer?

Peace & Joy,

Adriana

Postcard: God is Near

Dear Friend,

Just a quick postcard today -- I've much to share with you and very little time to do so right now! Soon I'll post some pictures and thoughts about the spring silent retreat I took last weekend. I just finished reading Bird by Bird: Some Thoughts on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott and The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

Two of my blog friends have posted the Liebster Award posts I nominated them for last month. I know you will enjoy reading their answers to my eleven questions.

Sheena at Tabulyogang
Jeannie at Little House on the Circle

My children are excited about summer break starting in a few weeks. I'm working hard to overhaul the house so we'll have as much time as possible to play together this summer. My hands are flying! Brother Lawrence reminded me that this is my opportunity to commune with God in an intimate manner. As I busy myself with my humble domestic duties, God is near.

Hope you are well!

Love,
A