7 Ways to PraySample

The Indwelling God: Practicing the Presence of God

In my thirties, I faced a driving test. I’d driven for decades but was nervous because the English country lanes felt narrow and winding compared with the spacious highways I was used to in the United States. As I waited for the driving examiner to arrive, I placed my hand over my heart and prayed, “Lord Jesus, you live within me. Come, Holy Spirit, and give me your peace.” When I heard my name, I was still nervous but felt calmer. And later I rejoiced when I heard that I passed—even with eleven minor faults!

Practicing the presence of God can be done anywhere and at any time. It’s simply calling to mind that God dwells within us through his Spirit and his Son. We can remind ourselves of his presence physically, such as when we inhale, breathing in the life-giving Spirit. 

This theme runs throughout Scripture. We find an especially clear example in John’s Gospel, when Jesus shares about the Kingdom of God with his friends after their last supper together (see John 15:1-9). Jesus says he is the Vine and his Father is the gardener. This amazing image of Jesus being the Vine, giving life to us as the branches who are connected to him, reveals the reality of union with God through Christ. We find this union by following Jesus’ invitation: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you” (v. 4). As we’re united to him, with the sap of the Holy Spirit moving the nourishment from the Vine to the branches, we bear fruit. 

I invite you to practice the presence of God today. Simply remember the truth that through his Spirit, he lives within you. You could place your hand over your heart as a physical reminder of his presence, welcoming his peace and love. 

Loving Lord, you have sent your Spirit to dwell within me. Mold me and shape me to be more like you, that I may share your love with others.