Practicing Presence in the Pause
Scripture Foundation
"Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10
"I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear man, of whom shall you be afraid, or of the son of man, of whom shall you be afraid? Shall the punishment drive you as you fear?" - Isaiah 43:26
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." - Matthew 6:7
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you out of; with rejoicing, you will take part in the redemption of Jerusalem." - Exodus 14:13
Main Content
As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to become overwhelmed by our circumstances. But God invites us to pause and practice presence. This means slowing down, quieting our minds, and intentionally seeking Him.
In this 7-day journey, we'll explore how to cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your daily life. We'll examine the significance of Psalm 46:10, and how it can be applied to our daily routines. We'll also delve into the comfort and peace found in Isaiah 43:26, and how it can be a source of strength in times of uncertainty.
As we explore these scriptures, we'll also create a personal prayer strategy focused on presence, inspired by Matthew 6:6. And through reflection questions and exercises, we'll analyze how Exodus 14:13 encourages trust in God's presence during times of fear and uncertainty.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the concept of presence in Psalm 46:10 and its relevance to daily life.
- Apply the practice of mindfulness and presence to a daily routine for one week.
- Explain how Isaiah 43:26 emphasizes God's presence in times of chaos and uncertainty.
- Demonstrate a deeper understanding of Matthew 6:6 by creating a personal prayer strategy focused on presence.
- Analyze how Exodus 14:13 encourages trust in God's presence during times of fear and uncertainty.
Application Steps
- Day 1: Take 5 minutes each morning to sit quietly, focusing on your breath. Ask God to help you focus on His presence.
- Day 2: Write down three things you're grateful for each day. Reflect on how God's presence is evident in these blessings.
- Day 3: Practice active listening during a conversation with someone. Focus on the person's words and tone, rather than planning your response. Reflect on how this practice relates to seeking God's presence.
- Day 4: Create a personal prayer strategy inspired by Matthew 6:6. Write down specific prayers for each day, focusing on presence and peace.
- Day 5: Reflect on a time when God was present in your life. Write down specific details about how you felt His presence. How did it impact your perspective?
- Day 6: Practice mindfulness during a daily activity, such as eating or walking. Focus on the sensations and sights around you. Reflect on how this practice relates to seeking God's presence.
- Day 7: Reflect on your journey this week. How has practicing presence impacted your daily life? What are some ways you'll continue to seek God's presence in the future?
Reflection Questions
As you reflect on your journey this week, consider the following questions:
- How has practicing presence impacted your daily life?
- What are some ways you've experienced God's presence this week?
- How can you continue to seek God's presence in your daily life?