I've recently joined a spiritual formation group that is encouraging me to find balance in my walk with God and to discover ever-increasing ways of making Jesus the center of all I am and do. One of our early challenges has been to try different spiritual disciplines that might help group members to experience more of Jesus' presence in every moment of our days--not just when we are actively seeking Him in prayer, meditation, worship, or Bible study. In other words, to discover how to live life in constant conversation with God. 

In my experience, when the topic of constant communion with God comes up, someone inevitably will say, "Have you ever read Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence?" That's what happened in this recent discussion, anyway. I think that's because that 17th Century Carmelite monk who served as a lowly cook in a French monastery kitchen connects more with many of us who live workaday iives than the better known mystics who were able to set aside hours for silence and contemplation. I don't know, that's just my theory.

At any rate, when I heard that this month's free product available through the Pray! webpage was a selection from NavPress' adaptation of Brother Lawrence;s classic work, I was glad. Hundreds of years later, Brother Lawrence inspires me. I think he might inspire you, too. Check him out for free by going to www.praymag.com and clicking on "Free Download."