Prayer Practices
VAUMC 2025
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
Prepare yourself by finding a quiet place, get into a relaxing position, silence phone, close eyes, breathe in and out several times. As you are breathing in and out, be aware of any muscle tension that needs to be released.
Gently offer any thoughts that enter your mind to God
Become aware of God’s presence that continuously surrounds and upholds all of creation.
Become aware that God is breathing life into you at each moment.
Let God’s presence fill your consciousness and rest in his presence.
Imagine yourself as a small child cradled in the lap of a loving parent or grandparent, or nestled close to Jesus’ heart, or gently supported in an ocean of light, or enfolded by a peaceful warmth. Then simply rest and soak up the love that holds you.
Close by thanking God for the blessings and gifts of this time together.
Adapted from Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson
Book Links:
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson
Habits of a Child’s Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines by Valerie E. Hess and Marti Watson Garlett.
Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation by Daniel Wolpert.
Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices by Daniel Wolpert.
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster.