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I think that the real eyes of practicing the presence of GOD are the eyes of the heart. Although we can’t see GOD through our physical eyes, perhaps we can experience the presence of GOD through our hearts. We can experience GOD by spending time with Him. We can work on our sincerity when we say we worship GOD alone and want to be near Him in heaven. Are we practicing here how we want to be in heaven?
We can increase the joy in our lives by reverently practicing GOD consciousness. We can offer every decision to GOD. When we recite an Al-Fãtehah, we can try to offer our life’s situation to GOD when we say, “guide us.” We are reminded to be stewards of our body and not owners. When every action we do is being done as an offering to please GOD, our works can be as joyful as our love of Him.
When we give gifts, if it’s to one we love, we choose the present and the gift wrap and wrap it nicely without pokey edges. When we do our works, we practice the presence of GOD by doing it as an offering to GOD and being mindful of pokey edges.
[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement.
Brother Lawrence wrote: “I engaged in a religious life only for the love of GOD, and I have endeavored to act only for Him; whatever becomes of me … I will always continue to act purely for the love of GOD. I shall have this good at least, that till death I shall have done all that is in me to love Him.”
So how can we practice the presence of GOD? Brother Lawrence says: “That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love him only.”
Those who repeat chants or prayers may do so to try to hold fast to the presence of GOD. Holding fast to the presence of GOD may be different for each individual. It may be remembering that GOD is watching us and over us. It keeps us from making soul mistakes and gives us comfort.
We can practice the presence of God by being God-centered, not being desperate or running. [41:49] ... And when adversity befalls him, he turns despondent, desperate.
We can be willing to do ‘difficult’ jobs. [2:143] ... It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful.
We must not only pray to God but listen to God. [6:36] The only ones to respond are those who listen.
We must offer our current moment to God. Brother Lawrence wrote that he “found it the shortest way to go straight to Him by a continual exercise of love, and doing all things for His sake.” If you were going to offer your day of work to GOD, what would you do? How might you approach things?
The practice of GOD’s presence is made in the offering. For example, when I sit in reflection of GOD, I am offering my time, my breath and my presence to Him. When I am washing dishes, I can offer my appreciation and remembrance of Him during scrubbing as a way to please Him.
When we are in GOD’s presence we aren’t trying to get anywhere. We are already here. There is a saying that says, wherever you go, there you are. And we know from the Quran that the presence of GOD is everywhere you turn.
Brother Lawrence wrote: “That our sanctification did not depend upon … our works, but in doing that for GOD’s
sake, which we commonly do for our own. That it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they performed very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards.”
“… we ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in GOD, and make a total surrender of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us.”
[33:3] And put your trust in GOD. GOD suffices as an advocate.
[89:28] Return to your Lord, pleased and pleasing.
[29:5] Anyone hoping to meet GOD, (should know that) such a meeting with GOD will most assuredly come to pass. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
References
Dying To Live: The end of fear: A Direct Approach to Freedom from Psychological and Emotional Suffering
Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God
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[57:4] He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then assumed all authority. He knows everything that enters into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is with you wherever you may be. GOD is Seer of everything you do.
God is With You Now
[58:7] Do you not realize that GOD knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? No three people can conspire secretly without Him being their fourth, nor five without Him being the sixth, nor less than that, nor more, without Him being there with them wherever they may be. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of everything they had done. GOD is fully aware of all things.