I have mentioned this before about Brother Lawrence, but because he brings it up frequently, I shall bring it up again. He speaks often about his “falls” from the grace of God and assures us all that by rising up quickly after our falls from grace, and by frequent acts of faith and love, we can return quickly to thinking of the Presence of God. This has proven to be true in my own life. In doing so I find myself being reminded by God who is Present to return to Him and pray quickly for my thoughts and choices to be about His Sacred and Holy, Life-Defining Presence. BL often said that his example of living in the Presence of God was often the best advice and support he could give others. He never felt compelled to present an argument to convince anyone of the right thing to do. He leaned on his own experience and example as reason enough.
So the practice and repeated practice of the Presence of God always reaps benefits and graces and blessings. Putting the presence of God aside for a time, or failing to return immediately to Him who is always Present, or failing to run back quickly to the Lord is the most injurious decision we can make. Instead the, come back immediately to the Presence of God, praying for mercy and faith and love for “falling” is the path BL lived in each moment of his day. This came from practice.
So practice running back immediately.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” 1 John 2:1.
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” Hebrews 13:15.
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
“Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" Ephesians 2:20.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you” 2 Corinthians 13:5?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38.
Comments