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.

Conversation Starters

Kids

Jesus’s disciples asked Him how to pray. If someone asked you how to pray, what would you tell them or show them?
What does "Give us each day our daily bread" mean?
God is our good Father and we are His precious children. What are some things you can thank God for today?

Students/Adults

Where are you currently experiencing "anxious striving" in your work, ministry, family, or personal life? As you more fully trust the Father’s goodness, how might that change the way you pray about that situation?
Read through Luke 11:1-4. Some of the words and phrases might feel unfamiliar or clunky to our modern ears. How would you rewrite this prayer for a modern audience? When you look at how Jesus prayed in this passage, do you see any differences between the way you typically pray and the way Jesus prayed? If so, what are they?
Is there a difference between persistence in prayer and attempting to manipulate God? If so, what is it?

Table Talk: Wherever We Go - Week 4

WHEREVER WE GO

Spiritual Practice: PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Engaging with the Text

Prayer

Conversation Starters

Table Talk: Wherever We Go - Week 5

Table Talk: Wherever We Go - Week 3