Does practice make perfect? No, that isn’t quite right,
Bad practice grows crooked, not steady and tight.
But practice with purpose, with heart and with will,
Can sharpen our spirit and strengthen our skill.
To practice God’s presence, we start where we are,
Not waiting for feelings or visions from afar.
God sees every thought, and he knows every deed.
His presence is with us in want and in need.
We practice by turning our minds back his way,
Reminding ourselves of his nearness each day.
Like singing a song with the meaning inside,
Not mumbling words where our hearts only hide.
In choices we make and the things that we do,
We ask, “Will this honor the Lord who is true?”
A movie, a ballgame, or something we say—
Does it bring him delight or waste time away?
Like batters who practice till reflexes show,
We practice God’s presence till habits will grow.
At first it feels awkward, but one day we will find,
Goodness slips from conscious to the subconscious mind.
No pattern to copy, no formula made,
Each person must practice with courage displayed.
With trembling and trust, we lean into his care,
For God has the strength to help us everywhere.
The changes are hidden from day to day,
But slowly we grow in a quiet, sure way.
From glory to glory the Spirit will guide,
Till faith becomes natural, flowing inside.
So practice God’s presence wherever you go,
At work, in the kitchen, in sunshine or snow.
For practice means yielding our hearts to his way,
And walking with him through each passing day.
