The power of presence
“Help me know how to rely on your presence more than I rely on my words.”
– Scotty Smith
She asked us, “Can you two pray with this young lady while I gather some food for her?”
“Of course.” So she left her with us and we asked her needs. She was in a relationship, hoping for marriage. Her man had recently been saved, but behavioral changes were slow in coming. They both needed jobs because they needed money.
And they needed hope.
So we all huddled close and prayed for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance and peace. And hope.
But my words felt a little flat and my own hope was wavering.
Until I remembered: It’s never about my words and my hope anyway.
Yes, those things count—I want to be truth-bringing and faith-bearing—but the real source of help is that the Spirit of the Lord is among us.
It is God’s presence that matters most.
His presence is more powerful than any prayer I can lift. His presence is no daydream or illusion but a fact and my reality. He is here; he is with us; he is present.
And there is my hope: in the power of his presence.
We hugged the girl good-bye and she left our presence. But I pray she never left his.
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 105:4
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
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Yes, my friend, it is His presence that matters most. I pray this young woman did not leave His presence when she left yours. You are one who encourages me when it comes to reaching out to those without hope, Lisa. Love you!
Dear Lisa
It doesn’t matter what life brings you, if you don’t live in the Presence of God, it just have in meaning, my friend. I also pray that Pappa will bless this couple with jobs to earn a living. I think a lot of prayer is prayed unknowingly by just a sigh, or tear, etc. in Jesus’ Presence!
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank God that He looks deep into our hearts instead of at the futile shallowness of our efforts to find the right words.
May that be so in our writing as well.
Stay warm, dear Lisa …
Love the quote and this message. Tweeted it too!
Great post and perspective. Our words sometimes do fall flat, but our Father’s words will never fail. This is the Good Word today, Lisa. Bless you and your ministry, sister.
Lisa, I so appreciated reading your message this morning.
I was feeling “wordless” yesterday – still lingering today but better now – not knowing the words to pray for a sudden need that came which had me immediately reaching deeper for God.
He was there ( always is ) but I was out of words for this particular need other than, “help” and “thank You”.
I ended up picturing the person in need ( and my own self in need ) simply bathed in His Presence.
Why would I think anything more was needed?
Where two or more are gathered . . . . lovely Lisa. Thankful he doesn’t need our prayers to be present, aren’t you?
Tweeting. Beauttiful, Lisa. His presence is everything. Tweeting!
Those verses from Psalm 105 and Psalm 16 are some of my favorite! Thanks for this wonderful reminder about the Lord’s presence…the greatest blessing is that His presence is with us no matter what.
Amen!
It is never us, always and only Him.
Each.and.every.time.
True peace and fullness of joy are found only in His presence yet sometimes I still take it for granted, knowing He is near but not fully seeking. Our church has adopted the theme of “to know and follow hard after God” for this year. A worthy goal indeed!
So often I get wrapped up in the words or phrasing of a prayer rather than being wrapped up in the presence of Father. Thanks for a great reminder today to focus on what’s truly important when we commune with Him!
Your message is so timely for me. There’s people I love – and instead of praying “right” into them, I am praying for God’s presence in their lives – that they seek it and see it! Powerful encouragement, Lisa! Thank you!
Beautiful, Lisa. Thank you. I love the quote/prayer!
that simple act of bowing with someone takes us completely out of our zone — our wishes — our desires — and our pain — and puts us in to a place of humility.
I love praying with people and I never wait for them to ask. I simply ask them, can I pray for you? An dI have never been turned down.
So true Lisa. I have found nothing but heartache outside of His presence, and nothing but peace within it. Great post! Glad I found you through Bonnie’s Faith Jam today. I’ll be following your blog via email from now on. Looking forward to it. 🙂
His presence! Yes, always there, I just tune out so often…but love the reminders when they come. He loves me so gently.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m amazed how the Lord can use our sometimes fumbling words. He is the One who is present. He is the One who can change hearts. How amazing is it that He chooses to use us? How beautiful that you prayed with this girl who is trying to walk out her faith.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Too often I’ve fretted over what my words to people should be, and while it’s important to be prayerful about them, I need to remember my main concern is His presence – for both them and for me.
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