Table Talk: Wherever We Go - Week 2
WHEREVER WE GO
Summer gives us fresh rhythms, fresh spaces, and fresh opportunities to live with purpose. We travel, host, gather with family, spend time outdoors, and rest. And wherever we go, we go as a people formed by Jesus and sent with purpose. This series will help us practice a rooted life with God while paying attention to God at work in the people and places around us. Through simple practices like presence, prayer, hospitality, and love of neighbor, we learn to pay attention to God, receive his grace, and carry his love into our homes, neighborhoods, city, and world.
Spiritual Practice: PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
We believe that Jesus’ teaching is more than just knowledge for our minds (though it certainly includes that). It should transform us from within that flows outward into our actions. By practicing the ways of Jesus, we are being shaped into a people who look more and more like Him.
The Bible teaches that God is with us wherever we go. In Psalm 139:7-8, David meditates on God’s continual nearness this way: “Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in [the depths], you are there.” In his book Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, famous Christian author C. S. Lewis says it like this: “We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” Yet, it can be hard for us to remember this throughout our busy days.
It takes intentional practice to stay aware of God’s presence in our daily lives. One 17th century French monk named Brother Lawrence was particularly attuned to God’s nearness. He carried on a continual “silent and secret” conversation with the Lord while he worked in the monastery kitchen preparing meals. When Brother Lawrence noticed that he was agitated or frustrated, he directed his attention back to his conversation with God. He grew more and more aware that God was with Him in all of his daily tasks, and this grew his relationship with the Lord. It also gave him great peace. We can learn from Brother Lawrence by building intentional pauses into our days, acknowledging that God is near to us no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Here are some first steps to begin “practicing the presence of God”:
When you wake up, before rolling out of bed, offer yourself to God for the day ahead and ask Him to make you aware of His nearness. Throughout the day, ask yourself if you are still living your intention to be aware of God’s presence with you. Do not be discouraged when you stray from your intention; simply begin again. God loves for you to turn your heart back toward Him! (Reflect: At bedtime, reflect on the day. When were you most attuned to God’s presence? When were you least aware of His nearness? Thank the Lord for being with you throughout the day.)
Dedicate a task you are doing to the Lord (making a phone call, caring for children, working with your hands, etc.). Talk to Him about the task before you begin and again when you are done. (Reflect: Did you become any more aware of God in the process? How?)
Throughout your day, whenever you are interrupted, tell God “I am here.” Remind yourself that you are in the presence of Jesus, who had time for people who questioned and interrupted. Remember that some of Jesus’ most gracious miracles occurred when he was interrupted. (Reflect: What is it like for you to offer yourself to be present to God during interruptions?)
- These spiritual exercises are borrowed from Adele Calhoun’s Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.
Engaging with the Text
Read the listed passage individually or as a group. Use the questions below to explore the passage together. The conversation starters are typically application questions that can be used to further your discussion during mealtimes or other connection points throughout the week.
What stands out to you in this passage? (a word, phrase, image, or idea that caught your attention)
What does this passage reveal about God? (His character, heart, actions, or promises)
What questions does this passage raise for you? (anything confusing, challenging, or unresolved)
What response does this passage invite from us? (a way of seeing, trusting, living, or hoping differently)
Prayer
Father God, you are with us wherever we go! We are so grateful for how you form us and shape us through everyday life, and we acknowledge that this blessing is not only for our benefit but also for the people and places around us. Through the power of Your Spirit, help us to live as beacons of light, drawing others near and helping them to experience Your goodness and grace. Open our eyes to see the many opportunities we have to share Your love with our neighbors, family, friends, and strangers. Thank you for helping us grow in love and participate together in Your work.
Amen.
SERMON SUMMARY: Presence begins when we stop striving and remember that God is with us. Psalm 46 calls us to be still, not because life is calm, but because God is near. This Psalm invites us to slow down, pay attention, and become more aware of the presence of God in the middle of summer life. Before we can be fully present to the people around us, we need to be re-centered in the truth that God is present with us. Summer gives us fresh opportunities to practice stillness, attention, and trust.
Passage: Psalm 46
Conversation Starters
Kids
Have you ever tried to do something on your own that was way too hard for you? If so, what was it? Was there a caring adult, like a parent or teacher, who could help you do that hard thing? The Bible says that sometimes we try to do hard things without God’s help too. God is always near to us, ready to help whenever we ask. This summer, how can we remember that God is always near to us?
Students/Adults
Our surrounding culture often pushes us to stay busy and productive, causing us to feel as though life is rushing by. In addition, technology and media offer us an endless stream of distractions. What helps you stay present in the midst of these challenges? Are there habits or influences that particularly hinder your focus and attention? Do you think staying present and engaged (both mentally and emotionally) influences your spiritual life? How can slowing down and paying attention help us to become more aware of the presence of God in everyday life?
As you read Psalm 46, is there a word or phrase that stands out to you? Is there an image that helps you rest more fully in God’s strength and faithful care of His people? (Tip: Try reading the psalm in different translations or versions of the Bible–easily accessible in a Bible app or online.)
