We often hear about people who live, or have lived, in the "presence of God". We might even be encouraged to do that very thing ourselves, to live "in Jesus" or to "abide in Jesus"; but what is it, and how do we go about it?
Living in the presence of God can be achieved if we follow a system. The strategy outlined below is the one I use.
1. Live in a State of Thanksgiving
Saying thank you for everything we have and experience is an easy way to include God in every single aspect of our lives. Realise that everything we have is a gift from God, from our food to our basic human rights. Thanksgiving prevents an attitude of entitlement, makes us humble, and helps us avoid frustration when we do not receive all those things and rights that we have been told we deserve by the dominant culture.
Most importantly, give thanks to God for Himself, for His friendship, for His closeness, for His mercy, and for His sacrifice on the Cross. Also give thanks for your own life and for the people God has given us as companions on this journey.
2. Turn Your Internal Dialogue into a Conversation with God
Instead of harbouring circular thoughts or worrying, include God in your thinking process. Invite God to journey with you. Ask Him: "What shall we do about this?" "Can You let me know how I should behave in this situation?" "What would You do now?" "Shall we do this together?" "Would You like to come with me?"
Every single time you catch yourself worrying, invite God into your thoughts. He will give you respite from your ego, and you will start noticing a friendship growing between you and Him. Include a daily examination of conscience and confession, and ask God for forgiveness and advice. He will point you in the right direction.
3. Adoration: Marvel at the World God Has Created
Contemplate the beauty all around you in wonder: the sky, the trees, the mountains, the people, and the amazing food we enjoy. Marvel at God's intelligence.
You can also do this while watching a nature documentary, or even while peeling a mandarin and realising what a great gift it is, with all its flavourful sweetness and its beautiful waterproof wrapping that gives out the most wonderful aroma as you peel it. That's how great God is!
4. Participate in the Life of the Church, Including the Sacraments
Make the effort to study the Mass and the sacraments so that you can fully participate in them. Try to understand what the Church is. Research Catholicism and marvel at its rich history and vast theological tradition.
5. Pray Meaningfully
Study the deep meaning of our most common prayers so that you can discover their true sense and spiritual power. Also develop a habit of spontaneous prayer, where you talk to God directly as if you were talking with a friend, as in point 2 above.
You can find guides to the deeper meaning of many common prayers on this website. An online search can also point you in the right direction.
6. Expose Yourself to Christian Content: Bible, Books, Catechesis, Radio, YouTube, etc.
Try to avoid distracting yourself with things that have nothing to do with God, such as television series or anything else that may take you down a different path from that of continually living in the presence of God.
God speaks to us through Scripture. If you need entertainment, try watching a Christian film or documentary. Make sure that everything you read, watch, or listen to has some connection to God.
If you can manage it, regularly read a version of the Bible with commentary, such as The Bible in a Year by Father Mike Schmitz or the NET Bible. Follow a priest or Catholic evangelist on YouTube or through a podcast. Listen to Radio Maria.
Above all, focus your study on Jesus's life, ministry, and sacrifice, and try to abide in Him. In summary, expose yourself to Christian content constantly.
7. Serving Others
When we deny ourselves and give ourselves fully to our neighbours, we are serving God. Try to see Jesus in your neighbour. This is, in itself, a form of prayer that brings us very close to the heart of Jesus.
8. Silence
You will find Him in the silence. You will hear Him in the silence.
While you can dedicate every moment of your busy life to God, and even invite Him to share every single experience, however noisy it might be, it is in the silence, away from the noise of the world, that you will be closest to Him.
So turn off the radio, the television, and the podcast, and listen to Him.
In conclusion
Once you experience the presence of our Lord, you will not want to engage in any activity that has nothing to do with serving God or serving others. When you must dedicate some time to the necessary distractions of life, you will miss your prayer time.
Seeking the presence of God may be a challenge at the beginning, but after you practise it for a while, it will become something from which you do not want a break.
Good luck, and may God bless you always!
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