Finding the Love that Never Leaves 

How do you tune in to the messages of your Divine indwelling? In this thoughtful reflection, author Tasha Jun explores ways for us to reconnect with our own sense of the Divine that is available to us—again and again—throughout our lives.

The first time I heard that God was with me—that I couldn’t be separated from being in God’s love—was at a Christian summer camp in the mountains of Northern California. I was in middle school and unfamiliar with faith communities and Scripture. The words of Romans 8:35 flashed up on a projector in the darkened meeting room. I sang along quietly, mesmerized. My entire inner being was pulled towards the words. I read and sang and pulled towards the love of God as something near – with me in that room. 

For a long time, I thought I needed to be back in that room, with those people, singing that same song, to feel the way I felt then: sure of God’s presence and inseverable love for me. 

A deep awareness of one’s own heart and all it contains, along with a growing awareness of the nearness of God characterizes many of the Christian mystics. 

From mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila and Brother Lawrence, to contemplative spiritual guides who lead us today, we find encouragement and example to not only peer into our own hearts, but to open every room of our hearts to God in prayer, believing God is with us and dwells within the core of our being. 

Instead of five step plans or specific ways to be holy, the mystics offer practices that encourage an ongoing conversation with God, no matter where we are or what we are doing. 

Brother Lawrence lived through many hardships before joining a monastery and spent the rest of his days washing dishes and repairing shoes. It was during his time of serving others that he practiced the presence of God with him in all things. I imagine his fingers and hands at work, day in and day out, washing, drying, mending, and inviting God into every moment of it all again and again. 

Brother Lawrence writes, “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” 

The “practice of the presence,” as he called it, was his way to turn towards God, remembering his own divine indwelling, no matter what he was doing or where he was. It didn’t require a change of location or work. This simple practice meant there was always a chance to turn towards God’s ever-loving presence with us. 

Like Brother Lawrence, St. Teresa of Ávila practiced “prayer of the heart,” or “mental prayer” as a way to become more aware of God with her in every part of her being.   

St. Theresa of Ávila writes, “Mental prayer is, as I see it, simply a friendly intercourse and frequent solitary conversation with Him who, as we know, loves us.”  

Instead of getting back to a specific place or condition that feels right, we can practice going back to a conversation, picking up where we left off. In every way, it’s an honest conversation—whether with a breath prayer, or a simple, “hi again,” — we can always move our focus back to God with us. We can always—always—turn back to Love dwelling in us, Love that never leaves us. 

Reflect with Us 
What are your rituals for practicing dialogue with God or the Divine? Share your reflection with us. 

Tasha is a biracial Korean American author who writes about faith, cultural and ethnic identity. Writing has always been the way God has led her through pain and towards the hope of shalom. Tasha lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids. To learn more about Tasha, follow her on Instagram here and visit her website.  

We Conspire is a series from the Center for Action and Contemplation featuring wisdom and stories from the growing Christian contemplative movement. Sign up for the monthly email series and receive a free invitation to practice each month.