January 7: Are You Present to the Presence?
God is nearer to us than our own soul. Julian of Norwich
Gregg’s Reflection
Do not fear, for I am with you…(Isaiah 41:10).
The recurring promise of God’s presence is the most fundamental assurance in gospel faith.
Richard Rohr says:
“You cannot not be in the presence of God. The only change is always on our side — God is present, but we’re not present to Presence.”
We are great time travelers, obsessing over the past or worrying about the future, but the present moment is the only place we can experience God.
I’ve learned that surrender and letting go are the primary gestures of the spiritual journey — and they require trust. One way to grow that trust is through the Daily Examen of Consciousness: noticing moments when I was aware of God’s presence and moments when I was not. This simple awareness practice draws me back, again and again, to the God who is always here.
Try this practice for a week.
Daily Examen of Consciousness, a Jesuit practice:
Scripture
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Ancient Quotes
Eagerly enter into the treasure house that is within you and you will see the things that are in heaven.
St. Isaac the Syrian
Happy the soul that, inflamed with love, lovingly preserves in the tranquility of her heart the sacred feeling of the presence of God.
Francis de Sales, Treatise on the Love of God, ch 1. McGinn, Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, p. 467
Modern Quotes
The presence of God is infinite, everywhere, always, and forever. You cannot not be in the presence of God. The only change is always on our side—God is present, but we’re not present to Presence… All spiritual teaching is teaching us how to be present to the moment. When we’re present, we will experience the Presence.
Richard Rohr, Homily, November 30, 2014
Journaling Prompts
- When during the day do you most sense God’s presence?
- What practices help you return to the present moment when your mind wanders?
- How could you remind yourself today to be present to God in ordinary moments?
- How do you grow your trust in God so you can let go and surrender?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 1 reflection: Abiding in God