The Presence of God: Living in Awareness

Sunday Awe

These daily meditations are called “Daily AWE” because AWE is an acronym for Aware, Wonder, Enjoy/Engage/Experience. Awe always begins with awareness. Until we are aware, we cannot wonder. Until we notice, we cannot fully enjoy or engage with the moment in front of us. Whether it’s a sunrise, a conversation, or a stirring in our heart—everything begins with awareness.

One of the clearest and most beautiful teachers of spiritual awareness was a humble 17th-century French monk named Brother Lawrence. His life and words are preserved in the small classic “The Practice of the Presence of God.” Brother Lawrence was born to peasants and was neither a scholar nor a preacher. He worked in the kitchen of a monastery, yet his wisdom has echoed through the centuries. His entire spiritual path was rooted in living in the awareness of God’s presence—not just in prayer or the chapel, but in every moment of ordinary life.

“The time of business does not differ for me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen… I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”

For Brother Lawrence, awareness was not about achieving a spiritual high, but returning again and again to the quiet realization that God is here. He practiced small prayers throughout the day, not out of obligation, but as a way to center himself in Divine Presence. He wrote:

“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence by continually conversing with Him.”

This was not meant to be heavy or forced. Rather, it was light, freeing, and even joyful. He believed that God is not far away but closer than our breath—and the only thing we must do is become aware.

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone.”

This simple awareness can change our life. When we live in the presence of God, we stop striving to find God somewhere else—we begin to see the Divine in the dishes, the errands, the deadlines, the silence, and even the struggles. And that awareness opens the door to wonder, gratitude, and joy.

Today, be in AWE:

Aware: Pause, breath slower, let your heart settle. Become aware of the quiet presence of God within and around you—closer than your breath, holding all things together.

Wonder: What if the separation you feel from God, others, or even yourself is not ultimate reality, but an illusion waiting to be healed?

Experience: Silently whisper a simple prayer like Brother Lawrence: “My God, here I am all devoted to You.” Allow yourself to simply be held within the Love in which you already live and move and have your being.

Monday Awe: God in Every Moment

Brother Lawrence: “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” (The Practice of the Presence of God)
St. Augustine: “You were within me, and I was outside… You called and cried out loud, and you shattered my deafness.” (Confessions)
Khalil Gibran: “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair.” (The Prophet)
Mother Teresa: “In the silence of the heart God speaks.” (attributed to Mother Teresa)
Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (NIV)

AWE

Aware. Which quote speaks to you?