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JULY 15, 2024
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Today I wanted to share an excerpt from an article about Harrison Stone, who is an actor and director, known for The Liberator (2020), Red Right Hand (2024) and Manhunt (2024).
Harrison Stone always tries to make time for what’s most important in life. I am sure you would agree that this can be quite a struggle in our lives. Staying focused on "first things", the priorities of living, which for Jesus followers is staying connected to our God and his son, Jesus Christ. Yet, when we are honest that is not easy. It is a deep desire we have, but there are just too many distractions, too many voices in our ear, too many "to do" lists to complete.
Let us take in today Harrison Stone's reflection below, I believe there is some great advice for us, some wisdom to assist us in creating space for what's important in life.
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I remember when I was younger I told my dad that I hadn't had time that day to spend time with God and read my Bible. He responded by saying, "You always have time for what is most important in your life." I've never forgotten that. That being said, I have really found that being on a consistent schedule of when I spend time with God makes a huge difference in my life. If I ever find myself just saying, "I'll do it later," then many times I've found that I messed up and didn't make time to spend with God that day. So for me, I have a specific time of the day that I read my Bible and spend time with God in prayer.
I've always always loved the verse, "Pray without ceasing." I have really found that while I do have a specific time when I focus totally on reading my Bible and praying, I can have these amazing moments talking to God when I'm driving to work or working on this and that. I remember being on the tennis court when I was younger and talking to God about my match going on. I think some of the best moments to talk to God are just as you go about your day.
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These words of Harrison Stone make me think of the little book titled "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. If do not know about this book or its content here is a brief intro.
Lawrence was a soldier, who after his time of service entered a Monastery in Paris. Lawrence was uneducated, and so had to enter the monastery as a layman. He worked in the kitchens and as a cobbler for the remainder of his life. Lawrence is known for his devotion and ability to bring God into every aspect of his life.
The Practice of the Presence of God, details how to gain that daily constant and comforting connection to God, something that Brother Lawrence struggled with in his life, just as we do. "Praying without ceasing" was a verse that directed Lawrence's life as well. He struggled with a distracted mind but found a disipline of living a life of prayer enabled him to see that every moment is holy because God is present wherever we are, and whatever we are doing.
I believe both Harrison Stone and Brother Lawerence help us to recognize that "some of the best moments to talk to God are just as you go about your day."
May we learn to develop this discipline in our pray life too.
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