1. We need to practice the presence of God

2. We need to practice the presence of God
Psalm 139:7-10 NIV 7Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

3. We need to practice the presence of God
To recognize the Presence of God we need to use Faith
God’s Word affirms His real Presence
By Faith we take hold of the reality of God’s Presence

4. We need to practice the presence of God
To experience the Presence of God we need to lift our thoughts beyond natural things, to spiritual realities
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

5. We need to practice the presence of God
To engage with the Presence of God we need to open up our human spirit to the Holy Spirit
Draw near to God & He will draw near to us (James 4:8)
I believe the personal use of tongues/ ’other languages’ is helpful here
I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind;
I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
(I Cor 14:15 NIV)

6. We need to practice the presence of God
To intensify our awareness of the Presence of God we need to Pray
Personal conversation with God makes Him ‘more real’
Speaking
Listening

7. We need to practice the presence of God
Learning to live in the renewed mindset/ belief/ awareness of a higher reality: God is here!

8. We need to practice the presence of God
The felt presence of God brings perspective to life
Steers away from sin
Overcomes fear with faith, security & peace
Replaces loneliness with love & acceptance
Overcomes despair, & renews hope in future good

9. We need to practice the presence of God
The felt presence of God: our God-designed destiny: for ever!
Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth’, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Revelation 21:1-3 NIV)