Sermon:The Presence of God

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD?

Experiencing the presence of Almighty God refers to an awareness or feeling of God's nearness, involvement, or influence in one's life. It is often described as a sense of peace, awe, love, or spiritual awakening, where individuals feel connected to God in a deep, intimate way.

In the Christian faith, the presence of God can be felt through the Holy Spirit, prayer, worship, or through a personal encounter in which God’s power and love are tangibly felt. People might describe this experience as overwhelming, comforting, or transformative, and it can occur during moments of prayer, contemplation, or in times of need.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOD'S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES 

○Spiritual guidance:Experiencing God's presence helps provide clarity, direction, and wisdom in life. Many believers feel that God's presence guides their decisions, offers insight into difficult situations, and encourages them to live according to His will.

○Comfort and peace: In times of struggle, grief, or uncertainty, God's presence brings a sense of peace that surpasses understanding.

○Transformation:Encountering God's presence can lead to profound personal transformation. It can inspire individuals to live more compassionately, to seek spiritual growth, and to turn away from harmful behaviors.

○Revelation of God's nature: Experiencing God's presence reveals more about His character,His love, holiness, grace, and mercy. This deepens one’s understanding of God’s nature and strengthens one’s faith.

HOW DOES THE PRESENCE OF GOD AFFECT OUR DAILY LIVES?

○Moral Guidance:Christians believe that God's presence provides a moral framework for living. This can guide decisions, actions, and interactions with others, promoting values such as love, kindness, honesty, and justice.

○Comfort and Hope: The presence of God can bring comfort in times of difficulty or uncertainty. Many believers find peace in knowing that God is watching over them, offering guidance, and providing strength during tough times.

○Accountability: The belief in God's omnipresence often fosters a sense of accountability to a higher power. This awareness can influence choices, encouraging individuals to live according to their spiritual or religious beliefs, as they feel that God is always present, observing, and guiding their behavior.

○Cultivating Gratitude and Humility: Recognizing God's presence can encourage an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in life. It can also foster humility, as people may feel reminded of their dependence on God's grace rather than their own efforts alone.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF GOD’S PRESENCE 

○Inner Transformation:God's presence has the power to change a person's heart and mind. Many believers experience a deep internal transformation, which helps them overcome personal struggles, negative emotions, and selfish tendencies, leading to a life of greater peace and joy.

○Strength in adversity:The presence of God can provide an extraordinary strength during difficult situations.Many believers find that they are able to persevere through God's guidance and strength when facing health challenges,loss or personal setbacks. 

○Purposeful Living: The realization of God’s presence leads to a life of purpose. Knowing that one's life has divine meaning can reshape how people approach their work, relationships, and decisions. This transformation moves them beyond mere survival or success to a deeper sense of fulfillment, as they seek to align their actions with God’s will, thus finding joy and contentment in living with divine purpose.

○Transforming Relationships: The transformative power of God's presence in relationships can lead to healing in brokenness and stronger, more loving connections.This can deeply transform families, friendships, and communities, as people begin to treat each other with more empathy, patience, and kindness. 

○Breaking Free from Bondage:God's presence has the power to deliver  from destructive habits or patterns, whether it’s addiction, anxiety, or fear. Through God's transformative power, individuals can experience true freedom and healing, enabling them to live more fully and victoriously.

○Living with Integrity: God's presence often transforms how individuals view right and wrong. As they seek to live in accordance with God's will, their moral compass sharpens, leading them to make decisions based on righteousness, integrity, and truth rather than convenience or personal gain.

○Spiritual Growth:Experiencing God's presence can lead to spiritual maturity. As believers grow in their relationship with God, they are continually transformed, gaining more wisdom, peace, and understanding, which influences their responses to life's circumstances and their interactions with others.

HOW TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S PRESENCE IN YOUR HOME OR PERSONAL LIFE.

□DAILY PRAYER AND DEVOTION

 ◇Start the day with prayer: Begin each day by acknowledging God's presence. A short prayer of gratitude and surrender can open your heart to Him. Invite Him to guide your thoughts and actions throughout the day.

◇Set aside time for devotion:Spend regular time reading scripture, meditating on God's word, or journaling. This helps you connect deeply with God and reflects your desire to grow spiritually.

□WORSHIP AND PRAISE

 ◇Play worship music: Surround yourself with music that honors God. Worship music can help elevate the atmosphere and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your home. Singing along or simply listening can set the tone for experiencing God's presence.

 ◇Engage in personal worship: Whether it’s singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, offering personal praise and worship can create an intimate connection with God. 

□CREATE A PEACEFUL AND SACRED SPACE 

 ◇Designate a quiet area: Set up a specific area in your home, like a prayer corner, where you can retreat to be alone with God.

 ◇Keep the environment calm: A peaceful, clutter-free space can foster a sense of serenity that is conducive to spiritual reflection. 

□INVITE GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE 

 ◇Post bible verses around the home: Place scripture verses that speak to God’s promises, love, and presence around your home. These can serve as reminders to seek and acknowledge God throughout the day.

 ◇Meditate on God’s word: When you read scripture, allow it to sink deeply into your heart and mind. Let God’s word be a daily guide, and meditate on passages that draw you closer to His presence.

□INVITE FELLOWSHIP AND PRAYER IN THE LIFE 

◇Pray Together with Family or Friends: If you live with others, encourage regular prayer times. Praying together creates a shared experience of God's presence and strengthens the spiritual unity of the household.

◇Host a bible study or small group: Gathering with others to study the Bible and pray can bring a collective sense of God’s presence. Group prayer often fosters a deeper spiritual experience and communal connection.

□REPENTANCE AND SURRENDER 

 ◇Confess and Repent: Open your heart to God by acknowledging areas where you have fallen short. Repenting and seeking forgiveness creates space for God to move freely in your life.

◇Surrender Control: Let go of your need to control every aspect of your life. Surrendering your will to God can invite His transformative power to move in unexpected and powerful ways.

□PRACTICE GRATITUDE 

◇Cultivate a heart of gratitude: Regularly thanking God for His presence, blessings, and faithfulness invites more of His presence into your life.

◇Use a gratitude journal: Write down things you are thankful for each day. Reflecting on God’s goodness invites His presence into every moment and helps keep your heart open to Him.

□SERVE AND LOVE OTHERS

 ◇Live out the command to Love: Serving others in your community and showing kindness is a practical way of living out God’s presence. As you act in love, you invite the Holy Spirit to work through your life.

  ◇Acts of Kindness: Perform acts of kindness within your household, community, or workplace. These actions reflect God’s love and bring His presence into every interaction.

□CREATE A RITUAL OF GOD'S PRESENCE 

◇Incorporate God in daily activities: Acknowledge God in all aspects of life, from cooking meals to going to work. Practicing awareness of God’s presence in everyday tasks makes it easier to experience Him in ordinary moments.

 ◇Bless Your Home: Pray over your home and family, inviting God to dwell with you. You can dedicate your home to God by asking for His protection, peace, and guidance.

□FASTING AND SILENCE 

◇Engage in Fasting: Setting aside time for fasting, whether from food or other distractions, can heighten your sensitivity to God’s presence. Fasting helps clear mental and emotional clutter, making it easier to hear from God.

◇Spend Time in Silence: Silence and solitude can help you listen more closely to God. In a busy world, taking time to quiet your mind and soul allows you to connect deeply with Him.

□EXPECT AND WELCOME GOD’S PRESENCE 

 ◇Approach God with Expectation: Be intentional and expectant when you pray or seek God. Faith plays a crucial role in inviting His presence; trust that God desires to be with you and will respond to your pursuit of Him.

◇Be Receptive to the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our lives today. Be open to His guidance and prompting throughout the day, and be willing to respond to His lead.

SIGNS OF EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE 

□Peace and Comfort

  ◇Inner peace: A profound sense of peace, even in the midst of difficulty or turmoil, can signal God's presence. 

-Philippians 4:7,"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. "

◇Comfort in distress: Experiencing a deep, inexplicable comfort during times of sorrow or anxiety can be a sign of God’s nearness.

□Conviction of the Holy Spirit

 ◇Conviction of sin: When God's presence draws near, a person may experience a heightened awareness of their sin and a deep sense of repentance, as the Holy Spirit convicts them.

-John 16:8-9,"And when He comes,He will convict the world of sin,and of righteousness,and of judgment of sin."

  ◇A desire to be more like Christ: A longing to grow spiritually, to live more in alignment with God’s will, can be a sign of His active presence in your life.

□Increased worship and awe.

◇Heightened reverence: Experiencing God's presence often leads to a natural outpouring of worship and awe. You may feel an overwhelming desire to worship God, either through prayer, song, or quiet reverence.

◇Tears of joy or gratitude: Some people experience tears when they sense God’s presence, as an emotional response to His love, holiness, or overwhelming grace.

□A sense of God's Love and assurance.

  ◇Assurance of salvation:God's presence often brings a deep sense of security and assurance in your relationship with Him, reaffirming that you are His child.

-Romans 8:16,"The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. "

◇Experiencing God's love tangibly:Feeling an intense awareness of God's unconditional love, even when you don’t feel worthy, can be a strong indicator of His presence.

□Spiritual Clarity and Insight.

 ◇Revelation through Scripture:When reading the Bible, certain verses or passages may come alive in a new way, offering personal insight or understanding. This can be seen as God’s voice speaking directly to you.

◇Guidance in decision making: When making difficult decisions, you might experience a sense of direction or peace that confirms God’s will. This often involves a quiet, inner confidence rather than an audible voice.

□Unexplainable Joy and Gratitude.

 ◇Joy in His presence:A deep, lasting joy that transcends external circumstances can be a sign of God's presence.

-Psalm 16:11,"You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy."

 ◇Gratitude and thanksgiving: A sudden, overwhelming sense of gratitude toward God for His goodness and faithfulness can be another sign of His presence. 

□Physical sensations or manifestations.

  ◇Physical sensations: Some people report physical signs such as a sense of warmth, trembling, or even a sensation of being surrounded by God's presence. 

◇Restless or stirred heart: At times, God's presence may stir your heart with an emotional or spiritual intensity that compels action or prayer.

□Supernatural encounters or dreams.

 ◇Visions or dreams:In some instances, God may communicate His presence through vivid dreams or visions, leading to a deeper understanding of His will.

-Joel 2:28,"Your old men shall dream dreams,your young men shall see visions."

-Acts 2:17,"Your young men shall see visions,Your old men shall dream dreams."

◇Angelic encounters or divine messages: While not common, some Christians report angelic encounters or feel an overwhelming message of correction, encouragement,or guidance.

□A heightened desire for holiness and prayer.

 ◇Longing to pray: When you are near to God, you may feel an overwhelming desire to pray or spend time in worship. Prayer may feel more intimate, and you may find yourself communicating with God more naturally and frequently.

  ◇Desire for righteousness: God’s presence often leads to a heightened desire to live a holy life, reflecting more of His character and moving away from sin.

DISCERNMENT OF GOD’S PRESENCE

○Prayer and meditation:Seeking God through consistent prayer helps you attune your heart to His voice.

○Scripture reading:The Holy Spirit speaks through God’s word, so regular time in the Bible helps sharpen your ability to recognize His presence.

○Listening to the Holy Spirit:The Holy Spirit often leads with a still, small voice.

-1 Kings 19:12,"And after the fire a still small voice. 

○Spiritual practices: Engaging in regular spiritual disciplines like fasting, worship, and silence can open your heart to recognize God’s presence more fully.

 HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S PRESENCE 

□Experiencing God's presence through worship.

 ◇Purposeful worship: Worship is one of the most powerful ways to experience God's presence. When you worship God—whether through singing, playing an instrument, or simply adoring Him in your heart,you align your spirit with His and open yourself to His nearness.

 ◇Private and Corporate worship: While corporate worship in church can be a powerful experience, personal worship at home, in nature, or even during daily activities can be deeply intimate.

 ◇Spontaneous worship: Often, worship can be spontaneous—an outpouring of gratitude and reverence for God's goodness. Expressing yourself freely and authentically can invite the presence of God into your life.

□Experiencing God's presence through prayer.

◇Intentional Time with God: Setting aside intentional time to speak with God and listen to His voice through prayer creates space for His presence to be felt.

 ◇Prayers of surrender:Surrendering your will to God, can open the door for His presence. Prayers that align with God’s will, asking Him to lead, guide, and transform you, can deepen your connection with Him.

 ◇Silent Prayer: Sometimes the most powerful encounters with God's presence come in moments of silence and stillness, where you are simply open to hear Him speak, without distraction.

□Experiencing God's presence through fasting.

  ◇Setting aside distractions: Fasting is a way of deliberately setting aside the distractions of the world (whether food, social media, or other comforts) to focus on God.

 ◇Fasting to Seek God: Fasting, combined with prayer, is often used in Scripture as a means of drawing nearer to God. When you fast with a pure heart, it can heighten your sensitivity to God’s voice and presence.

-Matthew 6:16-18,"Moreover ,when you fast,do not be like the hypocrites,with a sad countenance....so that you do not appear to men to be fasting."

◇Fasting with Purpose: Fast for specific spiritual purposes, such as seeking guidance, clarity, or breakthrough, and expect God to show up in powerful ways.

-Isaiah 58:6-9,"Is this not the fast that I have chosen:To loose the bonds of wickedness,To undo the heavy burdens,To let the oppressed go free,And that you break every yoke?....."

□Experiencing God's presence through scripture reading.

 ◇Meditating on God's word:By reading Scripture regularly, you familiarize yourself with His voice, promises, and character. Meditation on the word helps you internalize God's truth and strengthens your relationship with Him.

 ◇Personal Reflection: Allow the Scriptures to speak directly to you. Journaling or reflecting on verses that stand out can help you apply God’s word to your life and create moments where you feel His presence.

 ◇Hearing His Voice: As you read, pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scripture and make it come alive. Often, you will feel God’s presence when a particular verse resonates deeply in your heart.

□Experiencing  God's presence through praise and thanksgiving.

◇Gratitude: Giving thanks to God for His goodness, even in small things, is a powerful way to experience His presence. Thankfulness aligns your heart with God's nature, inviting His presence.

 ◇Declaring His Goodness: Praising God for who He is and what He has done can usher in a sense of His presence.

□Experiencing God's presence through stillness and solitude.

  ◇Creating Space for God: Sometimes, the busyness of life can prevent us from experiencing God's presence. Making time for solitude and quietness allows you to rest in God's presence, listen to Him, and hear His voice more clearly.

 ◇Waiting on God: Learning to wait in His presence in stillness  can help you experience God in a deeper way. Sometimes, God’s presence is felt most powerfully in the quiet, when you stop striving and allow Him to reveal Himself.

-Psalm 46:10,"Be Still,and know that I am God."

□Experiencing God's presence through obedience to His will.

  ◇Living in alignment with God’s purpose: One of the clearest ways to experience God's presence is by living a life that honors Him. Obeying God’s commands and following His lead opens up space for His presence to dwell in you and around you.

 ◇Walking in Faith: Trusting in God's promises and stepping out in faith, even when it’s challenging, can bring you closer to Him. 

□Experiencing God's presence through fellowship with believers.

  ◇Community worship and Fellowship: Gathering with other believers for prayer, worship, and encouragement can amplify your experience of God’s presence.

-Matthew 18:20,"For where two or three are gathered together in My name,I am there in the midst of them."

◇Sharing Testimonies: When you hear others share their experiences with God, it can inspire and remind you of His presence in your own life. Fellowship helps you stay encouraged and aware of God’s active work in your life.

□Experiencing God's presence through repentance and confession.

 ◇Repenting of Sin: Sin creates a barrier between us and God, but repentance opens the door for His presence. When we confess and forsake our sins, we experience a renewed intimacy with God.

◇Humility and Brokenness: Coming before God with a contrite heart and a spirit of humility invites His presence. God is near to the brokenhearted and those who humble themselves before Him.

-Psalm 34:18,"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,and saves such as have a contrite spirit. "

-Isaiah 57:15,"I dwell in the high and holy place,with Him who has a contrite and humble spirit."

□Experiencing God's presence through active expectation and faith.

  ◇Expecting to Encounter God: Expecting to experience God’s presence when you engage in spiritual practices increases the likelihood of encountering Him. Faith and expectation create an environment where God’s Spirit can move freely.

 ◇Praying with Faith: Approach your times of prayer and worship with a heart that believes God will show up. Trust that He is near, ready to meet you in whatever way He chooses.

SCRIPTURES THAT SPEAK OF GOD'S PRESENCE

God is omnipresent,He has the ability to be present everywhere at the same time. The presence of God is often depicted as a comforting, guiding, protective force, and an essential part of the believer's life.

○God’s presence cannot be contained by any structure.

-1 Kings 8:27," But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!"  

   

○God desires to dwell among His people.

-Exodus 25:8,"And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."  

○God’s Omnipresence:God is present everywhere; no place is beyond His reach. 

-Psalm 139:7-12,"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?"  

○The overwhelming power of God's presence:His presence can melt the mountains like wax.  

-Psalm 97:5,"The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth."  

○The presence of God brings joy and guidance to believers.

-Psalm 16:11,"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  

   

○God's presence is always with us:Jesus assures His disciples that He will always be with them, even to the end of the age.

-Matthew 28:20, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  

○God is not distant but intimately involved in sustaining life.

-Acts 17:28, "For in Him we live and move and have our being."  

○God promises His presence to give peace and rest to His people.

-Exodus 33:14,"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  

   

○God's presence is also a powerful force, capable of righteous judgment.

-Nahum 1:6," Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?"  

○A call to worship and approach God's presence with reverence and gratitude.

-Psalm 95:2,"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."  

 

○God’s presence is important in the journey of life.

-Exodus 33:15,''If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.'"  

○Satan can come before the presence of God to accuse believers. 

-Job 1:12,"So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

 

○Angels stands in God's presence,they are near to Him.

-Luke 1:19, "The angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.'"  

   

○The ultimate separation from God's presence is described as punishment.

-2 Thessalonians 1:9, "These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power."  

   

○A plea for God’s continued presence and support.

-Psalm 51:11,"Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."  

○God’s presence brings righteousness and justice.

-Psalm 17:2,"Let my vindication come from Your presence; let Your eyes look on the things that are upright."  

 ○God’s presence in the garden is described as personal and intimate.

-Genesis 3:8,"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God..."  

   

○Repentance and returning to God bring a refreshing presence.

-Acts 3:19,"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."  

   

○Humility before God invites His presence to lift and restore.

-James 4:10,"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."  

   

○It is important to respect God's sovereignty and presence.

-Proverbs 25:6-7,"Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;For it is better that He say to you,Come up here,"Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,whom your eyes have seen."

○Jesus appears before the presence of God on behalf of humanity.

-Hebrews 9:24,"For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."  

   

○God’s presence brings great joy, especially when a sinner repents.

-Luke 15:10,"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  

   

○Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s presence points out His inescapability.

-Jonah 1:10,"Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, 'Why have you done this?' For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord..."  

○God's presence is also a force of judgment.

-Leviticus 10:2,"So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."  

   

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF GOD’S PRESENCE 

○Fire,Smoke and Mountain quake

The presence can appear in form of a smoke,fire and mountain quake.

-Exodus 19:18,"Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke,because the Lord descended upon it in fire....and the whole mountain quake greatly."

-Isaiah 6:4b,"And the house was filled with smoke..."

○Whirlwind

The presence of God can be in form of a Whirlwind. 

-Job 38:1,"Then the Lord answered Job out of the Whirlwind. "

○The sound of the Lord.

The presence of God can be in form of the sound of God.

-Genesis 3:8,"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day,and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God"

○Fire and the glory of the Lord.

The presence of God can appear in form of fire and God's glory.

-Lev 9:23-24,"Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people,and fire came out from before the Lord.."

○The Cloud and the pillar of Fire.

God led the Israelites through a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as a visible sign of His presence with them.

-Exodus 13:21,"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way ,and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light"

-2 Chronicles 5:14,"So that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud."

○The Angel of the Lord

God’s presence sometimes appeared in the form of the Angel of the Lord, guiding and speaking to His people.

 -Genesis 16:7-11,"Now the angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water...And the angel of the Lord said to her."

 ○Flame of fire

The presence of God can appear in form of a flame of fire.

-Exodus 3:2,"And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush.

○A Still Small Voice

   After a great wind, earthquake, and fire, God’s presence was manifested as a gentle whisper to Elijah. 

-1 Kings 19:12,"But the Lord was not in the fire;and after the fire a still small voice.

○The glory of the Lord

The Presence of God can appear in form of His glory.

-Exodus 40:34,"Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle of meeting,and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. "

-1 Kings 8:11b"For the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

○Thunder and Lightning.

When God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, His presence was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, causing the people to tremble in fear.

-Exodus 19:16,"Then it came to pass on the third day....that there were thunderings and lightnings,and a thick cloud on the mountain...."

○The Burning Bush

   When Moses saw the burning bush that was not consumed, it was a clear manifestation of God’s presence .

-Exodus 3:2,"So he looked,and behold the bush was burning with fire but the bush was not consumed. "

○A bright cloud and a voice from the Cloud

   During the Transfiguration of Jesus, a voice from a bright cloud declared Jesus as the beloved Son, showing God's presence in a supernatural event.

-Matthew 17:5,"While he was speaking,behold a bright cloud overshadowed them;and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud,saying,"This is my beloved son..."

○The Radiant Face of Moses

 After Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai, his face shone with the glory of God's presence, so much so that he had to wear a veil.

-Exodus 34:30-33,"So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses,behold ,the skin of his face shone.....And when Moses has finished speaking with them,he put a veil on his face."

○The Shekinah Glory

 This divine presence appeared as a radiant, brilliant light, often associated with the presence of God in the temple or in visions to the prophets.

-Ezekiel 43:2,"And behold,the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east.....And the earth shone with His glory.

-Ezekiel 10:4,"The the glory of the Lord went up from the Cherub....And the court was full of the brightness of the Lord's glory."

WHAT TO DO IN GOD'S PRESENCE 

○Come before His presence with thanksgiving .

-Psalm 95:2,"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. "

○Worship the Lord in His presence.

-Psalm 96:9,"Oh,worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!

○Rejoice always before Him.

-Proverbs 8:30b,"And I was daily His delight,rejoicing always before Him."

○Give God glory and bring an offering before Him.

-Psalm 96:8,"Give to the Lord The glory due His name;Bring an offering,and come into His courts."

○Humble yourself before the Lord.

-James 4:10,"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord.."

○Pray and teach daily in the house of God.

-Luke 19:46-47,"It is written,'My house is a house of prayer.....And He was teaching daily in the temple."

○Seek His Face:In God's presence, we are invited to seek His face, pursuing a deeper relationship and intimacy with Him.

-Psalm 27:8,"When you said,"Seek my face,"My heart said to you,"Your face ,Lord,I will seek."

○Be Still and Know that He is God:In God’s presence, we are called to quiet our hearts and acknowledge His sovereignty and greatness.

-Psalm 46:10,"Be Still,and know that I am God..."

○Lift Holy Hands:When in God’s presence, lifting holy hands in prayer is an act of reverence and surrender.

-1 Timothy 2:8,"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,lifting up holy hands."

○Confess and Repent:In God’s presence, we are to acknowledge our sins, confess them, and receive His forgiveness and cleansing.

-1 John 1:9,"If we confess our sins,He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

○Exalt and Magnify the Lord:We are encouraged to exalt God's name and magnify Him for His greatness and goodness.

-Psalm 34:3,"Oh,magnify the Lord with me,And let us exalt His name together. "

○Delight in His Presence: God’s presence is a source of joy, and we are to find delight in being near to Him.

-Psalm 16:11,"You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

○Walk in the Fear of the Lord:To be in God's presence is to walk in awe and reverence for His holiness and majesty.

-Psalm 89:7,"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,And to be held in reverence by all those around Him."

○Proclaim His Works and Glory:In God’s presence, we are to declare His greatness, recounting His works and the wonders He has done.

-Psalm 66:16,"Come and hear,all you who fear God,And I will declare what He has done for my soul."

○Serve the Lord with Gladness:In His presence, we are called to serve God joyfully and with gratitude for who He is.

-Psalm 100:2,"Serve the Lord with gladness;come before His presence with singing."

○Submit to His will:In God’s presence, we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices, submitting to His good, perfect, and acceptable will.

-Romans 12:1-2,"I beseech you therefore, brethren,by the mercies of God,that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,acceptable to God,which is your reasonable service......that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

○Offer Sacrifices of Praise:Through Jesus, we are to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of lips that openly acknowledge His name.

-Hebrews 13:15,"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,that is,the fruit of our lips,giving thanks to His name."

○Be Transformed :In God’s presence, we are to be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory as we behold Him.

-2 Corinthians 3:18,"But we all,with unveiled face,beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,just as by the Spirit of the Lord. "

PRAYERS

1.Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence that goes before us, behind us and ahead of us daily. Let your holy presence abide in us, guide us, guard us and protect us forever.In Jesus' name.

2.Lord, where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? Whether I ascend to the heavens or descend to the depths, You are always with me. Guide me with Your presence, Lord, and let Your hand lead me through all things.In Jesus' name.

3.God of my salvation, in your presence is fullness of joy. I ask You to lead me in Your path, and guide me with Your presence, that I may always find joy and peace in You.In Jesus' name.

4.Heavenly Father, in You I live, move, and have my being. Let Your presence continually surround me, and may Your guidance lead me to fulfill the purpose You have for me. In Jesus' name.

5.Lord, You promised that your presence would go with me and give me rest. I trust in Your promise, Lord, and ask for Your guidance today. May Your presence be my comfort and my strength.In Jesus' name.

6.Lord, who can stand before your indignation? Your presence is mighty, and Your holiness is overwhelming. Teach me to honor Your presence and walk humbly before you.In Jesus' name.

7. Lord, let us come before your presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise to You with songs of praise. Guide my heart to continually worship You in spirit and truth.In Jesus' name.

8. Lord,let your presence lead me for without You, I can do nothing. Please guide my every step and lead me in the paths of righteousness.In Jesus' name.

9.O Lord, you are sovereign over all things, and nothing happens without Your permission. As You guide me, help me trust in Your perfect will, even in the difficult moments.In Jesus' name.

10.Father, do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. I long for Your guidance and presence every day. Renew a right spirit within me, and lead me in Your ways.In Jesus' name.

11.Lord Jesus, You are my judge, and I seek Your guidance.Let Your presence illuminate my path, guide me and lead me in a smooth path.In Jesus' name.

12. Repentance brings refreshing in Your presence, O Lord. I turn to You with a humble heart, asking for Your forgiveness of my sins. May Your presence bring me peace and renewal today.In Jesus' name.

13.God, help me not to exalt myself in Your presence, but to honor You with humility. Teach me how to seek Your wisdom and guidance, and how to recognize Your hand in every moment of my life. In Jesus' name.

14.Lord Jesus,I thank You for Your presence that guides me toward holiness. May I continually seek Your face.In Jesus' name.

15.Heavenly Father, there is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents. I ask for Your guidance in my life and for a heart that is always open to Your presence.In Jesus' name.

16.God, I know that I cannot escape from Your presence. Even when I try, You are there. Help me to walk in obedience to You, and to always seek Your guidance no matter where I am.In Jesus' name.

17.Lord, Your fire consumes those who come near You in an unworthy manner. Teach me to approach Your presence with reverence and awe, and guide me in living a life that honors You. In Jesus' name.

18.Lord, Your presence is always near to those who earnestly seek you. Let Your presence comfort me and strengthen me through my life journey.In Jesus' name.

19.Thank you Lord, for your presence in my life. Guide me to worship You wholeheartedly and to follow your leading in every area.In Jesus' name.

20. Lord,be with me through every challenge, guide me, lead me, and give me the rest that only Your presence can provide.In Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord,for answering my prayers.In Jesus' name,Amen.