“My voice shalt [T]hou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto [T]hee, and I will look up.”  (Psalm 5)

 

There are many ways one can dwell in the Presence of God. There are many ways to pray without ceasing. There are many ways to think upon God at all times. This may sound impossible but it is not. When we say pray without ceasing or perpetually dwelling in God’s Presence we are speaking about a spirit or mindset, maybe even an outlook.

The (1st) first thing you should understand is that your thoughts and actions should be considered prayer. God knows our thoughts afar off (Psalm 139). You can say to God, “Please accept my thoughts as prayer.”  In Ephesians (3) three, We learn that God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think…” You can and should ask God to consider your thoughts as prayers. We learn from Romans (8) eight, that God reads the mind of the Spirit Who indwells us. This means that the Spirit can and will and does take your thoughts and turn them into prayers that are acceptable to God. Simply say to God that you want there to be an understanding between the (2) two of you, and that understanding is that God will accept your thoughts and feelings as prayers directed towards Him.
This thought-prayer-life should not replace your formal times of prayer. Your actions and decisions can also be considered prayers unto God if you cognitively direct the acts and decisions toward God. In other words, you can say to God that this action or decision you have made is because of Him. An example, if you pick up a piece of debris in a parking lot because that parking lot belongs to God, as it is under the heavens, and all things under the heavens belong to God this act can be considered a communication with God, Simply say or think, “God, I did that for you and for no other reason.”
Brother Lawrence, in his book, one of the most influential books i have ever read, said that he would not pick up a piece of straw or hay, except it be to God’s glory. His book, by the way, is titled, “Practicing the Presence of God.” When I become king of the world for a day, this book will be mandatory reading for all believers. This book is a litle book that is made up of (4) four conversations with Brother Lawrence (1600’s) and (13) to (15) thirteen to fifteen letters written by Lawrence, depending on the edition you read. I have said many times that this little book changed everything for me and I do not say that lightly.

Another way to remain in the spirit or mindset of prayer is by using a clock, watch or any device that tells time.
Examples: When you look at the clock and it reads 3:16, you can quote to God, John 3:16 and thank Him for your salvation. When the clock reads 5:20, you can give God thanks for all things, as Ephesians 5:20 says, ” Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the [N]ame of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Sidenote: this passage mentions the Trinity).  When the clock reads 5:21, you might remind yourself to prove all things before accepting something as truth, (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Connecting the clock with Bible chapters and verses can help you remain in God’s Presence, it’s a good tool for memorizing Scripture too.

When the wind blows you can think of the Holy Spirit as John 3 tells us that the Spirit is like the wind. In the Spring when plants begin to bud, let your mind go to Christ’s resurrection and then and there thank God for your salvation.

There are many, many ways to keep your mind on God if you want to keep your mind on God. In the Psalms, David says that the wicked do not like to have God in any of their thoughts. We should infer from that truth that the righteous should always have God on and in the mind (Psalms 10).

We can say without hesitation that time spent with God is time well spent. Time spent with God will keep us from spending time doing things we shouldn’t be doing. Time spent with God is a way to lay up treasures in heaven. Spending time with God is a way to worship Him. Spending time with God is a good way to become Christ-like.

If you are seeking peace, let your mind be stayed upon God (Isaiah 26).

Godspeed.