After Jesus’ resurrection, he joined two of his followers traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, but they did not recognize him in his resurrected body until later, when their spiritual eyes were opened (Luke 24:13-35). God manifests his divine presence to us in many different ways, but our spiritual eyes are often blinded from “seeing” him.
The idols of our hearts (Ezek. 14:3-4,7) blind us from “seeing” God’s glorious presence. These “idols” include our busyness with work, recreational and social activities; the trappings of our modern lifestyle; and negative emotions, such as anxiety and unforgiveness.
Because being in the Lord’s divine presence requires us to be in a present-oriented state of mind, past and future-oriented feelings become obstacles preventing us from experiencing the Divine Presence in the present moment. For example, if you are unforgiving, you are focused on the past. If you are stressed, you are worrying about future outcomes.
A prayer form referred to as “Practicing the Presence of God” originated with Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth century French lay monk. This form of prayer involves having a loving and attentive awareness of the Lord’s presence in the present moment. With an unceasing focus on Christ, one is better able to draw from his love, peace and strength.
This mindfulness about God’s enduring presence among us is attained through an ongoing conversation with Jesus and recognizing the many ways he reveals himself to us in people, situations and our surroundings.
Our physical senses provide a medium for us to experience God’s presence around us, such as when we see the magnificence of the starry heavens; hear birds happily chirping; feel someone’s gentle, caring touch; taste the succulence of fresh fruit; and smell the clean, fresh scent of laundry.
The popular idiom, “stop and smell the roses” captures the sentiment of our need to slow down, pay attention, observe, and tune into the magnificence of God’s creation and all the wonderful moments the Lord shows himself to us.
Keep your spiritual eyes open to “see” the many ways the Living God displays his presence and glory to you in each moment of every day, and like Brother Lawrence, take it to task to bask and relax in the peace and love of Christ’s divine presence.
*After Brother Lawrence’s death in 1691, a short book, The Practice of the Presence of God was compiled with some of his letters and conversations. This book, still available today, provides readers a perspective on his spiritualty and unceasing prayer.
Walking with Jesus Series, Refl. #133, Feb. 2026
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Copyright © 2026 by Christopher Clark