Practicing the Presence
Scripture Foundation
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us that where two or three gather in his name, he is there among them. This promise underscores the importance of seeking God's presence in our daily lives. As we abide in his presence, we can trust that he is always with us, guiding and directing us.
In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus teaches us to pray in secret, away from the prying eyes of others. This practice helps us cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God and surrender to his will. As we pray in secret, we invite his presence to fill our hearts and guide our thoughts and actions.
Colossians 3:2-3 reminds us to put to death the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God. This process of transformation impacts our relationships, as we learn to respond to others from a place of love and humility rather than pride and self-interest.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul encourages us to recognize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. As we acknowledge this reality, we're reminded to make decisions that honor God and reflect his character in our daily lives.
Main Content
As we seek to practice the presence of God in our daily lives, we'll encounter challenges and setbacks. However, by abiding in his presence, we'll experience increased intimacy with him and greater guidance in our decision-making.
To cultivate a deeper sense of his presence, try setting aside time each day for prayer and meditation. Take a few minutes to reflect on the promises of God's presence in your life and ask him to fill you with his Spirit.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the significance of God's presence in daily life, citing Matthew 18:20.
- Demonstrate the practice of prayer in secret, as modeled in Matthew 6:5-6, for one week.
- Explain how putting to death the old self and putting on the new self (Colossians 3:2-3) impacts personal relationships.
- Apply the understanding that the temple of the Holy Spirit is within you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) to daily decision-making.
- Analyze how living in the awareness of God's presence affects your attitude and behavior.
Application Steps
- Set aside time each day for prayer and meditation, focusing on the promises of God's presence in your life.
- Practice putting to death the old self and putting on the new self (Colossians 3:2-3) by surrendering your thoughts and actions to God's will.
- Reflect on how your daily decisions align with your understanding of the temple of the Holy Spirit being within you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Reflection Questions
How do you currently practice seeking God's presence in your daily life? What challenges do you face in cultivating a deeper sense of intimacy with him? How do you think practicing prayer in secret (Matthew 6:5-6) could impact your spiritual growth?