Amy Boucher Pye

Tag: practicing the presence

  • God is with you

    Join me in practicing the presence of God on the beautiful shores of the island of Iona, in the inner Hebrides in Scotland. God loves when we welcome his presence in our lives – he’s always there with us!

    In the video I share this gorgeous Celtic prayer, as collected in the Carmina Gadelica:

    Come I this day to the Father,
    Come I this day to the Son,
    Come I this day to the Holy Spirit powerful:
    I come this day with God,
    I come this day with Christ,
    I come this day with the Spirit of kindly balm.

    God, and Spirit, and Jesus,
    From the crown of my head
    To the soles of my feet;
    Come I with my reputation,
    Come I with my testimony,
    Come I to Thee, Jesu – Jesu, shelter me.

    (Carmina Gadelica I, p. 69)

    Find out more about 7 Ways to Pray, including links for ordering and resources for small groups.

  • ‘Practicing God’s Presence: God in my everything’ by Ruth O’Reilly-Smith: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    Reading Ruth’s blogpost makes me smile. I love hearing her story of noticing God at work through his creation, as the robin darted to and fro during her daily walk. Practicing God’s presence can be achieved simply by noticing. I trust you’ll enjoy Ruth’s post – and do check out her lovely new book too (details in her bio).

    I’d just finished my radio show for the day and as is my habit, I headed out the studios and down the lane for a brisk walk to the telephone pole and back before tucking into my lunch and preparing for the next day’s guests. As I made my way to the lane through the car park, I spotted a robin. I love that bird and seeing him there made me smile. “Thank you Lord for letting me see him.”

    The broadcast studios are in a beautiful country setting with wide, expansive views and on this particular day, the sun was streaming down as I picked up my pace. The lane is lined with a hedge on either side and within in a few short meters I spotted the robin again. He darted out and hopped on the road in front of me. I laughed out loud and pointed, “I see you!” and then, he was gone, back into the hedge. I lifted my head to the horizon, closed my eyes for a moment and felt the warmth of the early afternoon sun sink deep into my skin. I breathed in and felt a sense of wonder. “I love you my Lord. I worship you. Thank you God that I get to do this. Thank you for helping me today. Thank you for my guests. Thank you for the listeners. Jesus please heal Mary and intervene on Steve’s behalf. Thank you for making a way for Marion to hear that song today. Forgive me Lord for being short with my colleague. I’m sorry. I worship you. ”

    Out darts the robin from the hedge again. “That’s you Lord! I see you!” I laugh again. “That’s you Holy Spirit. That’s you! I see you. Thank you my God.” I laugh again. I’m smiling big now. I sense the presence of God all around me, like all of creation is singing His praise. The robin darts out of the hedge and hops on the road ahead of me a few more times before disappearing altogether. I feel a lightness within me. I know I am seen by my Maker. I am loved.

    I go for a walk most days after my show. It’s an opportunity for me to process the last few hours and gives me a chance to encounter God in creation, but it doesn’t always result in the experience I’ve just described. It’s often far more mundane, but I am intentional about using the opportunity to reflect on the show and speak to God about the things on my mind and in my heart.

    The story of the robin illustrates the way I’ve learnt to pray in recent years though and perhaps it’s something you can try. I’ve become deliberate about including God in everything. I choose to be intentionally aware of His goodness, strive to be vocal in my gratitude and am forthcoming with my foibles. This is how I’ve come to ‘pray continually’ as the Apostle Paul urges us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. I used to think people who prayed for a parking space or asked God what clothes they should wear were weird, but I do that now, and I think it’s wonderful. Maybe I’m just weird, but these seemingly insignificant moments make me aware of bringing God into my every waking moment.

    In what ways can you intentionally invite Jesus into the everyday moments of your life? I start my day with a time of stillness where I read my Bible and give the day to the One who made it. I ask God to help me stay close and be aware of him throughout. And then, I look for him in everything. Be on the lookout for your Maker today and acknowledge him with a thankful heart – that’s prayer.

    Ruth O’Reilly-Smith was born in South Africa and has lived in the UK since 1999. Here she met and married her husband and they have twin boy and girl. Ruth started as radio broadcaster in 1995 and currently hosts a weekday radio show called, This Is My Story on UCB2, which is part of United Christian Broadcasters, a global Christian media charity. Ruth also enjoys writing and wrote for the Our Daily Bread Ministries publication for a number of years. She’s author of God Speaks – 40 Letters From The Father’s Heart, published by Authentic Media. You can read more of Ruth on her website, which is also where she posts regular Bible study blogs. Ruth’s Christian faith is central to all she does and her heart is to communicate God’s love in as tangible a way as possible. Find her at her website, on Twitter, and on Instagram.

    Order 7 Ways to Pray here, including in the US, UK, and Australia. You’ll also find lots of resources for small groups – videos and a leader’s guide – here.

  • “Pray Without Ceasing” by Gayl Wright: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

    How can we pray all the time? Gayl‘s post bursts with ideas of how to keep the conversation with God going throughout the day. I think you‘ll enjoy and benefit from reading her thoughts…

    Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
    for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB

    How often do you pray? Do you think about prayer throughout the day? Or do you forget until you finally take a break? Is it possible to pray at any time during the day no matter what you are doing? In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are told that it is God’s will for us to pray without ceasing. How do we do that?

    One of my friends tells me that she never says Amen. In other words, she has a constant dialogue, an open conversation with God. I like that idea, though I still use the word amen at times as it gives closure to a particular prayer.

    How are we to pray without ceasing or follow the other commands in that passage to rejoice always and give thanks in everything? Notice that it says, “…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That makes all the difference. He has given us His Spirit to be with us always.

    GOD’S PRESENCE WITH US

    Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
    If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
        if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
     If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
        if I settle on the far side of the sea,
     even there your hand will guide me,
        your right hand will hold me fast.

    Psalm 139:7-10

    Because God’s presence is with us all the time, we can talk to Him anytime of the day no matter where we are or what we are doing. Knowing that He is with me gives me a great sense of security and peace.

    It’s easy to remember to pray when there are problems and we don’t know what to do. But what about giving thanks for even ordinary things as we go through our days?

    In chapter 3 of Amy’s book, 7 Ways to Pray, she suggests that when we first wake in the morning to place our hands on our heart and “affirm, Jesus lives within me.”  She has similar suggestions for activities throughout the day.

    My days can get rather busy at times and I neglect my special time of reading the Bible and praying. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. I can pray as I prepare meals, clean floors or during most any other household chore. If there is an emergency I can breathe a quick prayer for wisdom and calmness.

    Father, here and now, calm my spirit, hear my prayer, give me grace, help me see you.

    A couple of years ago I set alarms on my phone to remind me to pause during the day to acknowledge God’s presence with me. I discontinued it for a while, but I’ve started it up again. When I hear the familiar alarm on my phone, I stop and think about the presence of God with me. Then I often say a one sentence prayer thanking Him for life, for beauty or for anything else that comes to mind.

    When possible, I set aside a longer time to pause, rest, and pray. Some days I sit on my front porch or walk around outside enjoying the beauty of creation. It gives me time to forget the chores calling my name and relax. I marvel at the vastness of creation and realize that although I am so small in comparison, God loves me, and nothing can take that away. 

    PRAYING WITH OR WITHOUT WORDS

    Praying doesn’t have to be done in a specific way. Sometimes I don’t have words, but I know the Holy Spirit will help me. God knows our hearts and shares our burdens. Sometimes when my day seems overwhelming and things are hard, I write a poem that is like a prayer of lament. It is a way to put words to the aching in my heart.

    Burdens heavy on my heart
    pierce me like a poisoned dart.
    Lord, be near me.

    My weeping eyes seek after you;
    I don’t know what to do.
    Lord, be near me.

    Breaking through my anxious tears
    Your light of peace calms my fears.
    Lord, be near me.

    Full of hope my hands I raise,
    Voicing love and joyful praise.
    Lord, be near me.
    ~gsw~


    Each morning after reading a Psalm, I often write a poem in response which can also be a form of prayer.

    You are gracious, God
    Full of compassion and love
    Your mercy abounds

    You are so patient
    Full of truth, strength and goodness
    Your comfort calms me
    ~gsw~

    The main thing is to keep the communication going between myself and God. Just knowing that He hears anytime is a comfort.

    With the Holy Spirit’s help, may we all be intentional to acknowledge God’s presence with us throughout the day. May we rejoice and praise Him for all His wonderful works.

    Lord, I call on you; hurry to help me. Listen to my voice when I call on you.
    May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering.

    Psalm 141:1-2 (CSB)

    Gayl Wright lives in a log home on a hill in Sunset, SC. She and her husband, Steve, raised 7 kids and have 14 grandkids. Some have chronic illnesses and one son is with Jesus. She was a church pianist for many years, and she also homeschooled her kids. Gayl loves to crochet, compose poems, write, art journal and spend time in nature. She is a seeker of truth, looking for beauty in ordinary things. Her desire in life is to glorify God and encourage others. Currently she serves as a volunteer as Content and SEO Coordinator for Chronic Joy®. Check out her blog Words, Photos and Art.

    Order 7 Ways to Pray here, including in the US, UK, and Australia. You’ll also find lots of resources for small groups – videos and a leader’s guide – here.

  • How to Practice the Presence of God

    How can we fix our minds on Christ? One way to practice the presence of God – to remind ourselves that through his Spirit he lives within those who follow him – is to focus on certain Bible passages.

    Why not set aside a week to engage with this way of praying? Following are seven Scripture texts – you could focus on a different one each day.

    Know that God delights to meet us when we pray.

    • ABIDE – John 15:4: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
    • SET YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS – Colossians 3:1–2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
    • DWELL – Philippians 4:8: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
    • REMEMBER – Isaiah 46:9: “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.”
    • REJOICE, PRAY, GIVE THANKS –1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
    • WALK – Galatians 5:25: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
    • KEEP RUNNING – Hebrews 12:1–2: “…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”