Brother Lawrence lived in the 1600’s in France. He felt God calling him to be a monk. He imagined himself involved in spiritual activities that would deepen his relationship with God. He didn’t imagine himself sorting and cleaning raisins in the kitchen day after day. But that is where he found himself, doing one of the most menial and boring tasks. In his later years, he became a repairer of sandals. It was in these every day tasks, he discovered God. To some he is known as ‘the Kitchen Saint.’ He learned to pray in every task, to see God in every task. Those around him were inspired by the profound peace that surrounded him no matter what he was doing. Later, the inspiring letters he wrote to friends and colleagues were collected into a book called, “Practising the Presence of God.”
It is good advice for each of us. It is a faith practice that can be part of family life. It is all about looking for God in every moment, talking to God and seeking God’s peace no matter what we are doing. Every moment can be a holy moment. Every task can be a holy task when we invite God into what we are doing – whether it is changing a diaper, mowing the lawn, chopping onions for supper, packing a school lunch or organizing the family calendar.
This is something we can do as adults. It is something we can teach our children. It reminds us not to take any moment for granted. It creates moments of peace throughout the day. It draws our attention to the wonder, beauty and love around us.
Chopping that onion – isn’t it truly amazing how it is created in layers, and how does it make us cry? – your prayer might be WOW*, God!
Changing the diaper and dealing with a sick child – when you’re tired and maybe feeling sick yourself – your prayer might be HELP*, God!
Packing a school lunch – and thinking of the children who might not have food, even in this community – your prayer might be BLESS, God!
Putting items on the calendar – what amazing opportunities we have to learn, explore and create, even if it gets a little chaotic at times – your prayer might be THANKS*, God!
This is something easy to do with your children. As you walk to school and see the geese flying over in the fall or the robin in the spring, pause for a moment, point it out and then say, “Thanks, God!” Your children come home talking about a scary situation in the world, listen and then take a moment to say, “Help, God.” In the park, you notice someone sitting on the bench, looking quite sad, smile at them, and then as you turn back to what you were doing say, “Bless, God!” Model it for your children. Share in the practice as a family.
It is not the length of our prayers that makes the difference, but the fact that we take time to pause, reflect and invite God into the situation. Practicing the presence of God helps us when we start feeling entitled or overwhelmed or worried or lonely. Let’s practice the presence of God every day, throughout the day.
Home
Content 
(403) 652-3168