Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page. 

I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.

Wednesday, January 21, 2025

Hi St. Andrew's UMC Community ...

It is Wednesday and half the week is over! How have you experienced God so far this week? In fact, how do you typically experience God? That is what we focus on in today's devotion.

Experiencing God’s Presence

1 Kings 19:11-13

Ralph sat in my office crying as he was mourning the loss of a partner of 35 years. He believes in a divine presence and has had moments where it seems that his partner is speaking to him. He shares stories of reaching out asking for guidance on how to cope and often a toy cow moos. He can’t get the cow to moo when he picks it up or shakes it but several times he has cried and reached out for his partner and the cow moos. It brings a calmness and a happiness that he is still being cared for in this time of loss.

How do you experience God’s presence? Elijah experienced God in silence. Ralph experienced God in the midst of sorrow and loss by the sound of a toy’s moo. How do you experience God? Ralph and Elijah share a similarity as they both were open to God’s presence being made known and they searched and waited. Then when God’s presence appeared they both connected to it and affirmed it.

How do you experience God’s presence? For me, when I try and force it, or want it a certain way, it is elusive. But when I seek it without expectations, God shows up. Are you able to seek God without expectations? Or is the pain too great? Or the worry too consuming? What is holding you back from experiencing God’s presence?

Dear God, thank You for always showing up in Your way. I need to be patient and let go of my expectations and experience You in Your way. God, I release my expectations and am open to Your presence in my life. Amen.

(Image from: https://tdavidbeck.blogspot.com/2012/01/experiencing-god-in-church.html)

by Rev Dave Piltz