* What does it mean to practice God’s presence?

What does it mean to practice God’s presence? I understand the phrase implies consciously and intentionally connecting with God throughout the day, not just during designated prayer times. But what are some concrete, practical ways someone can actually practice God’s presence, especially when life gets busy and distracting? What specific actions, thoughts, or disciplines can help cultivate a sense of nearness and awareness of God in the midst of everyday activities, like working, commuting, or even doing chores? And are there different approaches that might resonate more with different personality types or spiritual backgrounds?

Answer

Practicing God’s presence means intentionally and consistently cultivating an awareness of God’s nearness and activity in all aspects of life. It’s a deliberate effort to acknowledge, experience, and interact with God throughout the day, rather than confining religious practice to specific times or locations. This involves recognizing that God is always present, even when not explicitly felt, and seeking to live in conscious communion with Him.

Different practices contribute to cultivating this awareness:

• Prayer: This can take many forms, from formal, structured prayers to spontaneous, conversational prayer throughout the day. It involves talking to God, listening for His guidance, expressing gratitude, and seeking His help and wisdom. Prayer transforms from a scheduled obligation to a continuous dialogue.

• Meditation and Contemplation: These practices involve focusing the mind on God, Scripture, or spiritual truths. Meditation often involves reflecting on a specific passage or idea, while contemplation aims to move beyond thinking to a state of restful awareness of God’s presence. Mindfulness practices, adapted to a Christian framework, can also be used to center oneself in God’s presence.

• Scripture Reading and Reflection: Engaging with the Bible not just as a historical text, but as a living word that speaks to the present moment. Reflecting on its meaning and applying it to daily life helps to discern God’s will and experience His presence through His revealed word.

• Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging and expressing thankfulness for God’s blessings, both big and small, shifts focus from what is lacking to what is present and good. This fosters a deeper appreciation for God’s provision and care.

• Serving Others: Recognizing that God is present in every person, especially those in need, and seeking to serve them with love and compassion. This can involve acts of kindness, generosity, and advocacy for justice. "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).

• Practicing Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This allows one to appreciate the beauty of creation and to be more attuned to God’s presence in the everyday. Simple activities like eating, walking, or working can become opportunities to connect with God.

• Worship: Participating in corporate worship services and engaging in personal acts of worship, such as singing, praising, and expressing adoration to God. Music, art, and other forms of creative expression can be used to connect with God’s beauty and majesty.

• Sabbath Rest: Intentionally setting aside time for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal. This allows one to disconnect from the demands of daily life and to reconnect with God’s peace and presence.

• Sacraments and Ordinances: Participating in sacraments or ordinances such as communion or baptism, which are outward signs of inward grace. These rituals can deepen one’s connection with God and remind one of His promises.

• Spiritual Direction: Seeking guidance from a spiritual director or mentor who can help to discern God’s will and to grow in spiritual maturity. This can provide valuable support and accountability in the practice of God’s presence.

• Examining Conscience: Regularly reflecting on one’s actions and attitudes in light of God’s will. This involves acknowledging sin, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live in accordance with God’s commandments.

The fruit of practicing God’s presence is often experienced as:

• Increased Peace: A sense of inner calm and tranquility, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

• Greater Joy: A deeper sense of happiness and contentment that is not dependent on external factors.

• Clearer Guidance: Improved ability to discern God’s will and to make wise decisions.

• Deeper Love: A greater capacity for love, compassion, and empathy towards others.

• Stronger Faith: A more unwavering trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

• Increased Awareness of God’s Activity: Recognizing God’s hand at work in everyday life and in the world around us.

Ultimately, practicing God’s presence is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality, perseverance, and a willingness to be transformed by God’s grace. It is not about achieving a perfect state of awareness, but about cultivating a consistent and authentic relationship with God in all aspects of life.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before you today, seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means to practice your presence. It’s more than just thinking about you in quiet moments or during designated prayer times. It’s more than just acknowledging your existence.

Lord, show me how to weave your presence into the fabric of my everyday life. How do I recognize your guiding hand in the mundane tasks, the challenging conversations, and the unexpected blessings that fill my days?

Help me to see you not as a distant observer, but as a constant companion, a loving parent walking alongside me. Teach me to listen for your still, small voice amidst the noise of the world. Help me to recognize your love in the faces of those I encounter.

What does it mean to offer my worries, my joys, my triumphs, and my failures to you, not as a burden or a boasting point, but as a simple offering of my life in your service?

What does it mean to find you in the midst of suffering, to trust in your plan even when I cannot understand it? To know that you are present even in the darkness, offering comfort and strength?

Grant me the wisdom to cultivate a heart that is always open to your presence, a mind that is attuned to your leading, and a spirit that is receptive to your grace.

Help me to live each moment aware of your love, guided by your light, and strengthened by your unwavering presence.

Amen.