Feeling the presence of God is an experience for me which goes beyond words. Some of the events can be described but others escape verbal description. There is some sort of special communion going on that fills me with a sense of being loved more than any words can convey. Because it is beyond words, it is doubtful that I can really describe it to you, but I will try because it might encourage you.
Feeling God’s presence is characterized by a joy like the joy of reunion with my best friend. It feels as if we have been too long apart. God’s presence is also characterized by a calmness. There is a fullness, a satisfaction, a lack of wanting, a contentless. At the same time there is a spiritual emotion of excitement. These feelings of being loved, of joy, calmness, and excitement are very intimate times of communion.
There are less intimate times too. There are times when I am in the midst of something, and I suddenly realize that God is participating in what I am doing. I have a momentary amused recognition of God’s presence. There is a warm feeling of friendliness, like receiving a letter. It is the experience of feeling his interest in us and our lives.
Sometimes I sense the presence of God in other persons. I see them act on meanings and values. I see them express God in their lives. There is an answering joy that springs from me. It is as if I have discovered my beloved brother or sister after years of separation.
Then there are those times when I see the hand of God in nature. Everything material is designed to express some aspect of God. Everything I see holds some insight into the nature of God. Sometimes it is easy to see the hand of God—in color, symmetry, free form beauty of rocks, rich soil, the Grand Canyon, the planet seen from space. I experience a fleeting ability to recognize the relatedness of beauty to God. I sense his presence through these material things. It is even easier for me to see that presence in living things— plants and animals.
Because I seek him, I see him frequently. This seeking is a constant state of com-munion. I see him everywhere, in rocks, in flowers, in people.
Worship
(a poem)
I rest,
Smiling,
Recalling blessings in abundance
Blessings of love; of friends; of beauty
recognized, remembered, invested
within my soul.
Angels are near.
I await my Father’s presence which comes to me from the mystery center of everywhere.
He is present!
Our loves overflow and mingle.
The thrill, the exhilaration of his
presence explodes around me in meanings and insights.
Slowly, his presence recedes but joy remains.
I cannot yet endure long seasons in his intense presence,
But that too shall come.
