Practicing His Presence

Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God’s voice to speak to us as we meditate upon one of the Psalms.

We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer:

"Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God’s voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It’s less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace.

The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God’s voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Psalms 130:1-4

'Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord ; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord , kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. '

This week's passage is Psalms 130:1-4 (NIV)

'Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord ; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord , kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. '

Music:

Communion by Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Jonathan Jay, Staffing Frizzell Gretzinger, Tony Brown

Holy Ground by Aodhan King, Ben Fielding, Benjamin Hastings, Matt Crocker

Here Again by Amy Corbett, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick

Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God’s voice to speak to us as we meditate upon one of Jesus' parables.

We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: 

"Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God’s voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It’s less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace.

The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God’s voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Luke 18:9-14

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: Some manuscripts read stood and prayed this prayer to himself.: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

In week one of season two we are going to allow God to speak to us through one of Jesus' parables that explores the posture and attitude of heart that God honors. Be sure to catch Wednesday's Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) as we continue the practice of letting God in to our everyday lives.

This week's passage is Luke 18:9-14

'Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer#18:11 Some manuscripts read stood and prayed this prayer to himself.: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”'

Music:

Whole Heart by Aodhan King, Joel Houston

Worthy by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick

We are overjoyed to be back for a second season of Practicing His Presence. Take a few moments to hear about what you can expect as we set out into this portion of our journey together. We're eager and excited to welcome new voices and practices into our weekly rhythm, and look forward to all of the ways God will speak to you throughout the course of these next 22 weeks.

For more information on the origins of the Practicing His Presence podcast, check out the Introduction episode from last season. We look forward to continuing our journey together on February 1st! 

This week’s passage is Luke 5:2-7 (NLT)

“He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”

Music:

Spirit of the Living God by Jacob Sooter, Mia Fieldes

Fade Away by Jonathan Smith, Melodie Malone, Sean Curran

Additional resources:

Introduction to Practicing His Presence

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Hearing God by Dallas Willard

This week’s passage is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 (AMP)

“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy... [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good."

Music:

I’ll Give Thanks - words and music by Kirby Kaple, Jonathan Jay, Tony Brown

Goodness Of God - words and music by Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson

Additional resources:

Introduction to Practicing His Presence

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Hearing God by Dallas Willard

Today’s passage is James 1:3-4 (‭AMP‬‬)

'And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. ' James 1:3-4

Music:

Another In The Fire - words and music by Chris Davenport, Joel Houston

Nothing Else - words and music by Cody Carnes, Hank Bentley, Jessie Early

Additional resources:

Introduction to Practicing His Presence

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Hearing God by Dallas Willard

During US election week, here’s an additional episode to help keep us grounded in God’s presence, actively seeking what He’s saying for this moment.

Today’s passage is James 1:19-20 (‭AMP‬‬)

"Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Music:

Build My Life - words and music by Pat Barrett

Christ Be Magnified - words and music by Cody Carnes, Cory Asbury

This week’s passage is Psalms 9:7-10 (‭NIV‬‬)

“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Music:

He Shall Reign - words and music by Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan

Glorious - words and music by Chris Miller, Jessie Miller, Jonathan David Helser

Additional resources:

Introduction to Practicing His Presence

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Hearing God by Dallas Willard