What if you could experience God’s presence not just in moments of prayer or worship, but in the mundane tasks of everyday life? Would your relationship with God grow deeper if you recognized His nearness in the simplest routines?
This year at Hope Church, we’re focusing on one word: Closer. What does it mean to draw closer to God in every part of our lives? Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, offers an example of how we can pursue this. Like most of us, his life wasn’t marked by public platforms or extraordinary achievements, but by an unwavering commitment to being aware of God’s presence in everything — even while scrubbing pots and peeling potatoes.
Brother Lawrence’s journey to knowing God didn’t start with a heart close to Him. Born in France, he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame, believing he wasn’t good enough for God’s love. For years, he lived with a sense of distance from God, unsure how to draw near. His turning point came in a harsh winter, he noticed a barren tree, and the image sparked a revelation: just as the tree would bloom again, God’s grace could revive his soul. This moment awakened his desire to know God personally — not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Following this, Brother Lawrence joined a monastery and served in the kitchen, where he experienced God’s presence in every task. What’s remarkable about Brother Lawrence isn’t that he stumbled into God’s presence by accident. He chose it. In the chaos of the kitchen, surrounded by noise and demands, he made a daily decision to intentionally fix his thoughts on God. He understood that closeness with God doesn’t just happen — it requires discipline and deliberate action.
In today’s fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions, the idea of experiencing God in the middle of our busy lives might seem impossible. We rush from one task to the next, and spiritual connection often feels like something we’ll “get to later.” But Brother Lawrence’s life reminds us that closeness with God doesn’t require a perfect schedule or uninterrupted hours of prayer. It requires a heart set on finding God in the time we do have — and intentionally meeting Him there.
Practicing God’s Presence
Brother Lawrence realized we don’t need special moments to draw close to God. He practiced turning his thoughts to God in everything, whether in devoted times of praying or cooking. His approach was simple: speaking to God as a friend, in every task.
Brother Lawrence wrote: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees.”
It’s important to remember that practicing God’s presence in the everyday is not meant to replace devoted time in prayer, Scripture, or communal worship. It’s a way to stay connected to God in between those moments — to carry His presence with you throughout the day. But what happens on those days when you miss your quiet time? Or when life gets overwhelming, and routines are disrupted? God is still nearby.
Brother Lawrence’s practice shows us that we can still draw near to God even in life’s busiest moments — not as a replacement for devoted time, but as a lifeline that keeps us connected until we can return to those moments of deep, set-apart worship.
Think of it this way:
- If you miss a day of reading your Bible, don’t miss two.
- If your prayer time gets cut short, invite God into your next task.
- And when life feels chaotic, whisper a simple prayer: “God, I know You’re here.”
The key is intentionality — making space for both structured devotion and everyday connection. Because closeness with God requires action and discipline, but it’s sustained by grace.
How to Draw #Closer in 2025
Brother Lawrence’s story challenges us to shift how we think about God’s presence. He’s not only present during church services or Bible studies — He’s with us in the small, everyday tasks of life.
Here are three ways we can apply his lessons to grow #Closer to God this year:
- Invite God into your everyday tasks.
Whether you’re folding laundry, answering emails, or driving to work, turn those moments into conversations with God. Speak to Him about what’s on your heart, and listen for His voice in the ordinary. - Seek God in the ordinary.
Don’t wait for a “spiritual moment” to encounter God. He’s present in the mundane. Ask yourself: How can I turn everyday tasks into acts of worship? - Commit to simple, consistent prayers.
Brother Lawrence’s relationship with God wasn’t built on long, formal prayers. Instead, he spoke to God throughout the day in simple, heartfelt conversations. Start small. Acknowledge God’s presence as you go about your day.