Chapter 2: Meeting God in the Moment
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 15-16
Understanding that the essence of a personal relationship with God is a foundational step to spiritual presence.
Summary
In this section we explore what it really means to have a personal relationship with God—one that’s rooted in the realization of God’s unconditional love for you. We share stories of deep spiritual awareness and connection, showing how experiencing God’s presence goes beyond just religious practices and becomes something truly personal and transformative.
To have a personal relationship with God means different things to different people. To me, a personal relationship with God begins with knowing that God loves me unconditionally.
— Choosing Presence, p. 15
A Moment for Reflection
Pause for a moment and reflect on the following three questions:
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Think about a time when you truly sensed God’s presence. Was it during prayer, in nature, through a life event, or in stillness? What made that moment meaningful?
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Consider whether your spiritual life feels more like a habit or an actual connection. What might help make it more personal and alive?
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Reflect on whether you fully accept that God loves you as you are. If not, what beliefs or fears might be standing in the way of experiencing that love more deeply?
Remember to Download the Free Practicing Presence App!
Start your day with a morning meditation and get hourly reminders to return to presence with three conscious breaths. This free app is an essential tool for deepening your practice and staying connected with God’s presence.
Deepening the Practice: Journal Prompt
A personal relationship with God is more than just religious practice—it’s an intimate connection rooted in the awareness of God’s unconditional love. Choosing Presence emphasizes that God is always near, but often, distractions, doubts, or routines keep us from fully experiencing the divine presence. True connection happens when we shift from simply knowing about God to truly experiencing God in the present moment.
Think about your relationship with God. Does it feel personal and alive, or does it sometimes feel distant or routine? Describe a time when you felt deeply connected to God—what was happening, and how did you know God was present? If that kind of connection feels rare, what might be getting in the way? How can you invite more presence and awareness of God’s love into your daily life?