IN HIS PRESENCE COPTIC YOUTH CONFERENCE Scotland October 2013

Overview of the theme  What do we mean by being in His presence?  What happens when we are in His presence?  Workshop on impact of being in His presence.  How can we be in His presence?  Workshop on Christian meditation.  Hindrances through the journey.  Workshop on some psychological obstacles.  Practical applications and questions.  Bye bye!

Exercise!

What do we mean by “presence”?  The fact that someone or something is in a place.  A feeling that someone is still in a place although they are not there or are dead.  A group of police or soldiers who are watching or controlling a situation.  A quality that makes people notice or admire you, even when you are not speaking.

What do we mean by “His presence”?  You were present with them, in miracles of such a sort that Your presence was perceived. For when God's presence with us appears by any miracle, do we see His face with our own eyes? No. It is by the effect of the miracle He intimates to man His presence.  In fact, what do all persons say, who express wonder at facts of this description? "I saw God present.” St Augustine

“Presence” in Hebrew: Paniyum  Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people. And He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Then he said to Him, If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. Exo 33:13-15  You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psa 16:11

“Presence” in Hebrew: Paniyum  For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favoured them. Psa 44:3  There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. Psa 4:6  For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. Psa 11:7

“Presence” in Hebrew: Paniyum  As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psa 17:15  When You said, "Seek My face," My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek." Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. Psa 27:8-9  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psa 31:20

“Presence” in Hebrew: Paniyum  Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Psa 42:5  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psa 19:14

“Presence” in Hebrew: Paniyum  The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Num 6:25-26  He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Rev 1:16  But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of His countenance, which glory was passing away 2Cr 3:7

What is “being in His presence”?  State  Being aware.  Being attentive/receptive.  Connecting/relating.  Exposure/Nakedness.  In the depth of the heart.  Here and now.  I have to be present!

Questions