THE MEANS OF ACQUIRING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

First.   The first means is leading a very pure life.

Second.   The second is remaining very faithful to the practice of this presence and to the interior awareness of God in ourselves. We ought always to do this gently, humbly, and lovingly, without allowing ourselves to be troubled or worried.

Third.   We must take care to glance inwardly toward God, even for a moment, before proceeding with our outward actions. Then, as we go about our duties, we must continue to gaze upon God from time to time. And finally, we must finish all our actions looking to God. As time and much labor are necessary to acquire this practice, we must not be discouraged when we fail in it, because the habit is formed only with difficulty; but when it is formed, everything we do we will do with pleasure.

Is it not right that the heart, which is the first member to be quickened to life in us, and which dominates over the other members of our body, should be the first and the last part of us to love and worship God, as we begin or end our spiritual and bodily actions? It is in the heart that we should carefully produce this brief interior glance, which we must do, as I have said before, without struggling or studying to make it easier.

Fourth.   It would not be out of place for those who are beginning this practice to inwardly form a few words. We could say, "My God, I am entirely yours; God of love, I love You with all my heart; Lord, do with me according to Your heart," or some other words which love produces spontaneously. But those who are beginning should be wary lest their minds should stray and return to the creature when they should be keeping them on God alone. When their minds are pressed in this way and constrained by their wills, they will be forced to remain with God.

Fifth.   Practicing the presence of God is a little difficult in the beginning, but when it is done faithfully, it secretly works marvelous effects in the soul, brings a flood of graces from the Lord, and leads it without its knowledge to gaze simply and lovingly at God and find His presence everywhere. This gaze is the easiest, the most holy, the most solid and the most effective type of prayer.

Sixth.   Please note that to arrive at this state, we have to mortify our senses, since it is impossible for a soul which still has some creature-satisfaction, to fully enjoy this divine presence. To be with God, one must absolutely leave all created things behind.