In the early years of ministry I traveled around with a fellow young minister Nathan. We were "evangelist" and where young enough to think we would make a major difference in the world. We were a team where ever we ministered. If Nathan was speaking I would simply help him anyway I could and he would do likewise. We always arrived at the church we were speaking at early so we could find a place to pray and prepare for ministry. One particular night we were driving home from a powerful night of ministry and Nathan said, "Mike I want to ask you something". I said, "sure, what is it?" He said, "I noticed when you pray you seem to go immediately into the spirit. (simply meaning in pentecostal terms, that I was not distracted and seemed unhindered in speaking to God.) He went on to ask, "How do you do that?" I paused, and thought for a moment because I have never really given it much thought. I replied, " The truth is when I close my eyes in prayer, I know that I am immediately in the presence of God." I have always had a real sense of God's presence with us now.
Understanding and living in the reality of God's present presence is a powerful spiritual practice. One that has been called "practicing the presence of God." This is what I mean by centering, getting focused. For me this is the purpose of meditation. It is uniting with and in God. This is a work of the Holy Spirit. You are never alone and you are never separate or alone. Christ came to reveal God's desire to live among and within us and He went on to teach that he would send the Holy Spirit to be that ever-present companion, helper and bringer of comfort.
So there is a source a well from which we can draw the peace, joy, and strength we need in this life. It is found in God. When you pause and meditate on the reality of God's presence in our lives we are then able to draw from his presence the grace (gifts) necessary for our lives and ministry. It is God's pleasure to meet us there and supply us what we need. Trust and rest in God's goodness and generosity.
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