The Presence of God

Radical_Pilgrim · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 02:55 PM

I'm just wondering what any of you may do to experience the presence of God in your walk. I'm talking about prayer or more likely from the sound of it, hours of prayer, when God manifests Himself in a very real way. How often does this happen? Is it less rather than more? And how often should we be striving to have this experience with our God?

Thanks

**Herald** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 02:59 PM

Nick,

Speaking only for myself; when I spend time in prayer and study, repenting of sin and seeking God's will, I find that I am more open to the ministry of the Spirit in my life. I am not afraid to say this, for it doesn't automatically follow that I am referring to some charismatic or pentecostal experience. God is more "present" when my sin and the complications of daily life are removed.

jambo · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 07:39 PM

A lot of people tend to have their devotions at a set time and that is it. One should try and add to this by regular prayer trough the day. It does not need to be a formal time but just where you are periodically through the day. Andrew Bonar used to try and pray, if possible, every hour on the hour.

Funnily enough just todayI was clearing out old books and came across an old edition of Brother Lawrence's "Practice of the Presence of God." Its a small book by a 17th cent monk who laboured in the monastry's kitchen but is worth a read.

larryjf · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 10:04 AM

God's presence is always with us, so the key is how to more readily perceive His presence.

We perceive God in a very intimate way through His Word and prayer. As we become more intimate with Him we perceive His presence to a greater degree.

Here's a question to ask...if i loved my wife would i only spend 1 hour speaking with her? If we love God how much time should we spend in prayer and Scripture?