Putting ourselves in God's presence and staying with Him during the time of prayer is relatively easy, but remaining with Him always is more difficult. The actual fact is that when we return to our usual occupations, the awareness of God which had been enkindled during prayer gradually dissipates, and we often behave as if God were no longer present, as if He were no longer with and in us.
One of the great Carmelite Saints, Teresa of Avila wrote: "We must ... even in the midst of occupations, withdraw ourselves. Although it may be for only a moment that I remember I have company within myself, doing so is very beneficial."
A quick, interior act of the mind, of the will, of the heart, (or what may be referred to as an ejaculatory prayer) is enough to put us back in God's presence and to renew our contact with Him. Although this is accomplished with greater effort for those involved in business and continual dealings with people and things than those who live in situations where prayer is more solitude, it is the effort that is blessed.
This condensed meditation is taken from the book Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. Volume III, number 235.
Practicing the Presence of God TODAY: O Lord, purify my heart and my mind, that I may learn to know You better.
Have a blessed day.
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