Practicing the Presence of God (Awareness of Him All Day)

God is always with us — but most of the time, we forget. We go through our days barely aware of His presence, then wonder why He feels distant. There's an old, beautiful Christian practice that addresses this: 'practicing the presence of God.' Here's what it means and how to do it.

What it is

Practicing the presence of God simply means cultivating a continual awareness that God is with you, through all the ordinary moments of your day. It was famously described by a humble monk, Brother Lawrence, who learned to feel as close to God washing dishes in the kitchen as in formal prayer. It's turning ordinary life into ongoing communion with God.

God is already present

The foundation is that God is genuinely always with you — 'whither shall I flee from thy presence?' The practice isn't about summoning God; He's already there. It's about remembering it, turning your awareness to the God who is constantly present but easily forgotten in the busyness.

Turn your heart to Him often

The practice works by frequently, gently turning your heart and thoughts to God throughout the day — a brief acknowledgment, a quick prayer, a word of thanks, an awareness of Him in the task at hand. These little turnings, repeated often, weave a continual connection with God through your day.

Use reminders

Since we forget so easily, reminders help — a verse on your phone, a habit of praying at routine moments, a mental note attached to daily activities. These prompts gently pull your awareness back to God's presence whenever you've drifted, which will be often at first.

Gently return

You will forget and get absorbed in the day — constantly, at first. The practice isn't about perfect, unbroken awareness; it's about gently returning to God each time you notice you've drifted, without guilt. Over time, awareness of His presence becomes more natural and constant.

Practicing the presence of God means cultivating a continual, gentle awareness that God is with you through all of ordinary life — turning your heart to Him often, using reminders, and gently returning whenever you drift. He's always present; the practice is simply remembering. Take up this ancient habit, and you'll find ordinary days becoming a continual, quiet walk with the God who never leaves your side.