Nothing—absolutely nothing—is more valuable than the abiding presence of God and having Him as our Partner. Since the Father and the Son are in heaven, the Holy Spirit has been positioned on earth to manifest God’s presence in and through every believer. Nicholas Herman, better known as Brother Lawrence, learned to “practice the presence of God” and made it his mission to help others do the same. According to this seventeenth century monastic servant,

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way.”4

Stop and think: How vital is God’s presence in my life? What would life be like without Him? Imagine getting up tomorrow without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Review the list of His names and roles (see page 17). With renewed perspective, write how vital His presence is to you.

When and where are we to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence? Lawrence continues:

“It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence. We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, and anyone can have them. Is there any reason not to begin?”5

Without question, you need quality time in the Holy Spirit’s presence—a time to totally focus your attention on Him. This includes things like time in His Word, talking and listening to Him, thanking Him and singing His praise, and just sitting silently. Stop and pray: “Holy Spirit, what should my devotional time with You look like at this season of my life?” Write what He reveals.

How can you practice God’s presence? Brother Lawrence said, “Simply present yourself to God…and fix your attention on His presence. If your mind wanders at times, don’t be upset, because being upset will only distract you more. Allow your will to recall your attention gently to God…cultivate the holy habit of thinking of Him often.”6 Pause and pray: “Holy Spirit, what can I do to focus my attention more on You?” Listen for His answer and incorporate it in your life.

For Further Study...

Check out 1 Chronicles 16:9-11; Psalm 22:26; 105:3-4; Proverbs 8:17-18; Isaiah 55:1-3, 6; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:1-2.

Day 3 Devo

HE WANTS TO BE CLOSE TO YOU

“Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.”

—Revelation 3:20 TLB

God, through the Person of the Holy Spirit, wants to be closer to you than any other person on earth. He desires intimacy—the deepest level of relationship you can experience.

It’s been said that having intimacy with God is like saying God can “in-to-me-see,” and it’s true. The Holy Spirit can go where no man can go—inside our souls and spirits. He’s not limited by time or space. Not only does the Spirit search and know our hearts, but He also searches and knows God’s heart, revealing His deep thoughts, secrets, and desires—so that we can “in-to-Him-see.”