With God

The deepest meaning of Christianity is being in a loving, saving, transforming relationship with Jesus.

Jesus was with us at Christmas (Immanuel) so we could be with him now and forever.

With God.
God is always with us. He never leaves us alone. See the magnificent Psalm 139:1-13. Go ahead, read it now. Then read Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus will never leave us.

We might not always sense the presence of God, but Christ is with us and Christ is in us, and we are in Christ. That is the beautiful message of the entire New Testament.

The question is never, "Is God with me?" The questions is always, "Am I with God?" The old hymns says it simply: "Prone to wander Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love" (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing).

One way to understand the Christian life is that we learn how to be with God. We learn how to see the God who is with us. We learn how to practice the presence of God, live in his presence, and enjoy his presence.

Short and simple prayers are sometimes called centering or focusing prayers. These prayers slow us down. They calm our hearts. They reduce the distractions. They quiet the noise around us.

Jesus, help me.
Jesus, I need you.
Lord, have mercy.
God, you are good all the time.
God, I worship you.
Speak Lord, I listen.

You say these short prayers over and over. You pause between saying a prayer. You wait quietly and you say it again... and again... and again.

And slowly, you begin to discern the quiet voice, the gentle presence, the steadfast love of the Lord with you.

May the Lord be with you.
To which all the people said, "And with you."

Pastor Brian Rice