Thinking Christianly | Practicing the Presence

This four week series will explore a way to practice the Presence that fits into the very busy lives we all lead. (We do not have to join a convent or a monastery to experience God’s Presence on a regular basis.) We will also look at how we can fully offer ourselves to God, what effect gratitude has on our relationship with God, and how we can experience hope in these challenging times.

Week 1

October 16, 2022

Why do we come to church? Why do we pray? What are we hoping for? The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to love and serve God and to be one with God forever. This spiritual journey we are on can lead to what some of the great spiritual leaders through the ages call practicing the Presence. It is possible to actually experience God’s Presence with us and in us.

Book Recommendation: The Practice of the Presence of God & The Spiritual Maxims by Brother Lawrence

Week 2

October 23, 2022

The word surrender can evoke negative emotions. We can connect it with failure or defeat. But when it comes to God, surrender is the doorway to joy. Come to Adult Christian Education Sunday after the 10 am service to learn more about Surrender to the Presence.

Book Recommendation: The Sacrament of the Present Moment by Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Week 3

October 30, 2022

Meister Eckhart, the great German mystic said “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was thank you, that would suffice.” Come to this week’s Adult Education with Mother Lyn after the 10 am service to explore not only the spiritual benefits of gratitude but also what scholars at UC Berkeley have found are the physical and mental benefits as well.

Book Recommendation: Gratefulness the Heart of Prayer by Brother David Steindl-Rast

Week 4

November 06, 2022

FEELING HOPELESS OR POWERLESS

There are times when our personal lives or the world around us convince us that we are powerless over any of it. Come to Adult Education after the 10 am service on Sunday when Mother Lyn will help us explore what Jesus and Hawaiian spirituality have to say about it all. Rediscover that we are powerful people who can make a real difference in life. Jesus said, “ …the one who believes in me, will also do the works that I do and in fact will do greater works than these.” John 14:12‍

Book Recommendation: Urban Shaman by Serge Kahili King