God’s Presence in Everyday Routines
Your Nightly Prayer
By Greg Grandchamp
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31
SOMETHING TO PONDER
How often do we reach the end of our day and realize that we have not spent one moment of it thinking about God? Not one moment to turn to Him and simply let Him bring us His peace which passes all understanding. For me, it is far more often than I would care to admit. We let our lives fall into the pit - the idol - of busyness.
It seems like our daily routines leave little room for anything. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we miss out on those special moments that could – and would - bring us closer to God. A full-time job, raising a family, kids’ activities, paying the bills, household chores…the list can be endless and incredibly time-consuming. At the end of the day, we ask ourselves, “Where did the time go?”
And yet, at some point, we must come to realize that God’s presence doesn’t always happen only in our planned prayer times. Sometimes – often – it’s there in the simple, everyday stuff where we find Him. Where can we feel His presence? Maybe getting the kids ready for bed. Or dropping them off at school. Stuck in traffic or a long line waiting for…whatever. Maybe it’s when our heads hit the pillow, or when we’re doing the dishes.
Brother Lawrence seemed to discover some rather profound truths through his very simple, very humble service in the kitchen of a monastery in Paris. Brother Lawrence held that washing dishes could be as meaningful and spiritual to him as the Lord’s supper. His words expressed it so much better than I could ever hope to:
“He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”
Let us remember that the Father is not confined to a church – or to our morning prayers. His glorious Holy Spirit lives within us – deep within our hearts.
As Christ-followers, we are called to glorify God in our lives. Every part of our lives. Not only in our duties at church, or when something wonderful happens to us, but deep within us in the secret parts of our lives. Paul tells us that no matter what we do, we do it all for the glory of God. Even washing dishes. Through the finished work of Christ, even our quite ordinary days can be transformed into a worship space and a worship time.
Even when your routines are repetitive and boring. Even when the days feel so long and quite unremarkable, God is using you. When your days feel thankless and heavy – God is there with you in every mundane task, every deep sigh. And when the days don’t go so well and we are struggling to find our way – God is right there with us, giving us strength. Even if we don’t feel it. (Psalm 139:7-8)
Being aware of His presence does not require any time commitment. It doesn’t mean stopping what we’re doing and hitting our knees – although there is nothing wrong with that, either. It is all about turning to Him in the small, everyday moments. By recognizing our Father’s presence throughout our day.
You will find that remembering God’s presence will be a source of comfort, guidance, and strength.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for being there with me always. I know you are there every moment of every day. Help me to remember that throughout my day. Help me keep you as the most important part of every day, and everything I do. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Use short prayers for the busiest moments.
Prayers can be whispered through our day. “Thank you, Lord.” “Be with me as I go into this meeting, Father.” Or “Guide me, Lord.” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. Use reminders.
If it will help you, set a reminder on your phone. Or use sticky notes (old school, but it works.)
3. Practice the presence.
This all will not come easily or naturally. But the more we practice the presence, the more we will realize that it can transform our everyday lives. (Psalm 46:1)
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kristen Prahl
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
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Originally published Thursday, 27 November 2025.
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