“Walking with God” by Jean Gibson: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

I’ve had the absolute delight of walking by the sea near to where Jean lives; I can only imagine what that must feel like as one’s daily walk. We can’t all live close to the sound of crashing waves or the gentle lapping of water, but we can all walk with God. As you take a few moments to read and ponder, why not set aside some time to enjoy God’s presence?

As a child, I grew up by the seaside, on the beautiful north coast of Ireland. Some of my early memories include long walks on the beach, frequently with my favourite aunt, as we talked together and she pointed me to Jesus. As a young teenager I remember lying in the sandhills above the beach reading a book, feeling God’s presence as he spoke to me through it.

Having lived in various situations around the world, these days I live by the seaside once more. And it’s there that I still experience my closest moments to God.

In 7 Ways to Pray Amy talks about ‘practising the presence of God’ as Brother Lawrence described it. This lay monk has always struck a chord in my heart. Brother Lawrence practised God’s presence while working in the kitchen, and I do a bit of that too, but for me walking along the coast has always brought me close to God. I think of the reference to Enoch in Genesis 5: 24, ’Enoch walked with God.’ In Luke 24:15 we read of the two walking to Emmaus when ‘Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.’ I love that idea of walking with God as I physically take my daily walk.

Walking along the coast, in awe at the changing colours of the sky and its reflection in the sea, my heart lifts in praise to the Creator of such beauty. On a windy day when I am struggling to keep upright, the rigging on the yachts rattling in the harbour, the waves crashing against the rocks and the gulls calling out in joy, I am reminded of his almighty power. And on a quieter day I sit on a rock, bathed in the warmth of God’s love, soothed by the gentle lapping of water on the shore, feeling God’s peace settling on my heart, hearing his ‘still small voice.’ It is in these moments above all that I feel God’s nearness, as my thoughts are stilled and focused on him and a sense of calm displaces my anxieties and concerns.

At such times, words are not always necessary. Amy quotes Brother Lawrence, ‘My prayers are nothing other than a sense of the presence of God.’ Sometimes being aware of God’s presence takes us beyond words. For me, these occasions often happen when I’m outside in nature, aware of God’s creation around me. For you it may be different.

Not all of us live by the seaside. Not all of us can easily walk, or be, in a beautiful place. Perhaps like Brother Lawrence most of your day is taken up in mundane tasks, in a repetitive job, in caring for others. But wherever we are, God is there. Can I encourage you today to be intentional about ‘practising God’s presence’? Find your special place where God feels near and make yourself available to him there.

The two on the road to Emmaus urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us.’ Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him.

(Luke 24)

Having worked in theological education in Kenya and the Christian charity Care for the Family in Ireland, Jean Gibson enjoys sharing the stories of people who inspire her. Her books include Seasons of Womanhood, Journey of Hope and An Open Door. Details can be found on her website.

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