The practice of some believers in Ireland centuries ago can help us in our spiritual journey today. They wanted to be aware of God's presence in every activity of life. For example, they would say this prayer when they woke up in the morning: "Thanks to Thee, O God, that I have risen today to the rising of this life itself."

An Irish housewife, starting a fire at dawn, would whisper a prayer that the Lord would kindle in her heart a love for her family, friends, neighbors, and enemies.

Many believers would end their day with these words: "I lie down with God, and God will lie down with me."

The practices of these Irish believers challenge us to perform even the most mundane and humble tasks "as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23). We are to carry out the apostle Paul's directive: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

That directive embraces the whole gamut of life—eating breakfast, doing the dishes, sharing in a conversation, operating a computer. Let's remind ourselves throughout the day that whatever we do is to be done for the Lord and with an awareness of His presence.  — Vernon C. Grounds