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!"
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 16:7-9What advice, insights, or special memories can you share with me about prayer?
Peace & Joy,
Adriana
God bless You.
ReplyDeleteThis post, the quotes, along with the pictures, - i cannot find a word(s) to describe. hmmm it's just what the heart needs and the soul longs.
Well regarding memories...i dont know if you could relate.
I was at mass and we had this cross with Jesus on it, and people were kissing the cross. All different kinds of people. A lot were quietly lining up and waiting for their turn to kiss.(I forgot what the occasion was about) I was suddenly struck at the sight of it. I asked God how he feels that there are a lot of people who wants him. He said, "I'm so tickled right now. They are even kissing my armpits! haha." I was so surprised i had to repressed my laughter. I was smiling at mass!
That day i discovered that God is not that all so serious, he is also fun!
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Delete*to repress haha sorry wrong grammar.
DeleteP.S. Happy Mother's Day!
Sheena, Thank you for the Mother's Day wish. It was a lovely day! And thank you for being so faithful to communicate what parts of my posts speak to your heart. That is such a gift to me!
DeleteYour memory is absolutely delightful. I'm giggling about it too! "The joy of the Lord is your strength." :-)
Thanks for the excerpts from Brother Lawrence's thoughts, and for adding your own, Adriana. I love this part: "When a prayer is on our lips it's nearly impossible to fall into mischief!" So true!
ReplyDeleteOn special memories and prayer, I remember once my wife and I were praying beside our bed one early morning, she on her side and me on mine, and I was so overwhelmed by some troubles I was experiencing that I just stopped praying and broke down. She got up, came around and put her arms across my shoulders and prayed over me. God's peace filled our bedroom.
Tim, thank you for sharing a glimpse of such a tender, beautiful experience. This reminds me of some verses from Ecclesiastes: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
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