When going on with our daily lives, God is always the furthest thought from our minds. We typically get busy thinking about the activity we are engaged in or about various relationships.
Still, in this case, St. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray without ceasing”.
Though this doesn’t entail us remaining in the church building on your knees every day, rather it does challenge us to creatively think as to how we can always keep God on our minds.
A 17th-century Carmelite monk called Brother Lawrence, was an expert at this form of prayer, cause he spent all the intervals of his time, even before and after his work, in prayer.
And from Brother Lawrence’s perspective, he never wanted to forget about God so, he made a deliberate attempt to always keep God in his mind.
He even prayed a short prayer before his duties to ensure he can achieve this.
“O my God, since you are with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to give me the grace to continue in Thy Presence; and to this end do You prosper me with Your assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections”.
After saying this prayer, “Brother Lawrence would proceed in his work and then, he continued his familiar conversation with his Maker, seeking for His grace, and offering to Him all his actions.”
Those who saw brother Lawrence were astonished at his peacefulness amid the many demands of his works.
Cause, his very countenance was edifying; such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it, as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed, that in the greatest hurry of business in his place of work, he still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness.
He was never hasty nor loitering, but he did each thing during its season, even with an uninterrupted composure and of spirit.
In other words, keeping our thoughts on God is an effective and easiest way to remain in peace. Though, it may not be easy, especially when work or family obligations appear to get in the way.
However, Brother Lawrence didn’t in any way see his work as an obstacle, but he saw it as another avenue to develop his relationship with God.
