Practicing the Presence of God
Scripture Foundation
Matthew 6:6 says, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (ESV)
Psalms 16:8 declares, "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." (ESV)
1 Corinthians 4:5 instructs us to "test yourselves. Or do you yourselves deceive that you are wise?" Paul reminds us that God is the one who judges the heart.
Colossians 3:3 exhorts us to "put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful desires, idolatry, and covetousness. On the contrary, put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (ESV)
Main Content
Practicing the presence of God is not just about having a quiet time or saying certain prayers. It's about cultivating a sense of awareness and intimacy with God throughout our daily lives. It's about recognizing that He is always with us, guiding and directing us.
So how can we practice the presence of God? Here are some practical steps:
Learning Objectives
- To understand the importance of prayer in deepening one's relationship with God
- To recognize the presence of God in daily life
- To apply the concept of putting to death the old self and putting on the new self in daily life
Application Steps
- Set aside a specific time each day to practice the presence of God
- Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and desires throughout the day
- Ask yourself regularly, "Is this thought/emotion/desire pleasing to God?"
Reflection Questions
How can you practice the presence of God in your daily life?