Practicing His Presence

Welcome to another run of devotional episodes with The Hope Collective's "Practicing His Presence" podcast. This season, check back on Wednesdays and Fridays for moments of Divine Reading and Reflection around passages that are at the core of our journey as a community. This week, we're allowing God to continue to unpack 1 John 1:5!

Join us for the final week of our Advent releases! Make the most of this season with The Hope Co's daily Advent devotional!

Week 3 of our Advent episodes is underway! Make the most of this season with The Hope Co's daily Advent devotional!

Make the most of this Advent season with The Hope Co's daily Advent devotional!

To jump in with The Hope Co's Advent devotional, click here or text "collective" to 97000! Join us today for a moment of reflection around the eternal-standing promises of God.

Make the most of this Advent season with The Hope Co's daily Advent devotional! Today's passage is one that zeroes in on the promises of God... the very source of our hope!

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from the gospel of Luke about being sent into the world by Jesus!

Let's be a people that listens when God calls us and sends us - even into places of discomfort. Allow this passage from the Gospel of Luke to inform where it is God is sending you this week. If it's on your heart to share your story or your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you! Send an email to podcast@thehopeco.com or leave us an audio message! Music: At The Cross - Hillsong Worship Worthy of it All - Lindy Cofer

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from the book of Romans about how we relate to one another!

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from the book of Ephesians about our "upward" relationship to the Father.

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from Psalm 1! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

As we heard this past Sunday, the Psalms are a guide for how we talk to God. Let's allow Psalm 1 to open us up to the good work He longs to do in us this week! If it's on your heart to share your story or your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you! Send an email to podcast@thehopeco.com or leave us an audio message! Music: Echo Holy - Red Rocks Worship Let There Be Light - Hillsong Worship

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from John's Gospel around the postures we can take towards Jesus! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

Allow this story from John's Gospel to help you identify the different postures in which God is calling you to encounter with Him this week. If it's on your heart to share your story or your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you! Send an email to podcast@thehopeco.com or leave us an audio message! Music: Not In A Hurry - Will Reagan Christ Be Magnified - Cory Asbury, Cody Carnes

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from 2 Corinthians around the topic of generosity! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from 2 Timothy! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

If it's on your heart to share your story or your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you! Send an email to podcast@thehopeco.com or leave us an audio message! Music: Whole Heart - Hillsong Worship Ruins - Maverick City Music

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from Psalm 16! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

Today we take a look into what it means to be designed for community as followers of Jesus. Make sure to subscribe and check back later this week for Wednesday's Divine Reading episode. If God's put it on your heart to share your story or your journey with us, we'd love to hear from you! Send an email to podcast@thehopeco.com or leave us an audio message! Music: Let There Be Light - Hillsong Worship What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship

Today we have another story of how God works when we give Him space to inform our everyday moments. Join us as our friend, Eric, shares his experience of what the journey of practicing God's presence has meant for him!

Thanks for joining us for this week's Lectio Divina episode from Psalm 16! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

Welcome back! Today as we begin our third run of devotional episodes, we dive into one of our favorite Psalms and ask God to remain before us always. Make sure to subscribe and check back later this week for Wednesday's Divine Reading episode and another story from someone within the Practicing His Presence community on Friday! Music: Echo Holy by Red Rocks Worship Here Again by Elevation Worship

Here's part 2 of our conversation with The Hope Collective's lead pastor, Dave Mudd, and staff pastors Alex Gowler and Karrie Garcia around what it's like to welcome God into daily life.

Today, we feature the story from one of our very own! Stephen joined us for a conversation around how he has implemented rhythms of practicing God's presence in daily life and what type of change he's seen in himself/family/community as a result.

Welcome back! In this episode, we had the chance to answer some questions from our listening community alongside some of our pastors here at the Hope Collective. Join us as we welcome lead pastor, Dave Mudd, and staff pastors Alex Gowler and Karrie Garcia into the room for a conversation around what it's like to welcome God into daily life and the importance of Biblical Community.

We're so glad you took the time to join us this season! Here's a few closing thoughts as we head into summer... we hope these times have been nourishment to your soul and have connected you to the Father's heart. Until next time!

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is 1 Peter 1:24-25 Music: Touch Of Heaven - words and music by Aodhan King, Hannah Hobbs, Michael Fatkin Jesus We Love You - words and music by Hannah McClure, Kalley Heiligenthal, Paul McClure Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Daniel 2:20-22 AMP Music: He Shall Reign - words and music by Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan Glorious - words and music by Chris Miller, Jessie Miller, Jonathan David Helser Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Matthew 14:15-21 Music: Be With Me by Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Be Still by Red Rocks Worship Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! This week's passage is John 11:32-37 We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! This week's passage is Psalms 85:8-9 We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Psalms 85:8-9 (NLT) Music: Communion by Maverick City Music, Steffany Gretzinger, Brandon Lake | Holy Ground by Hillsong United | Here Again by Elevation Worship Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! This week's passage is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) Music: Whole Heart - Hillsong United | Worthy - Elevation Worship Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! This week's passage is Daniel 3:16-18 We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! This week's passage is Psalms 27:1-4 We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you."

This week's passage is Psalms 27:1-4 Music: Fullness - Elevation Worship | Goodness of Jesus - CityAlight Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is John 7:37-38 'Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.' 

This week's passage is John 7:37-38 'Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.' ” ' John 7:37-38 Music: 'Til I See You - Hillsong United I Surrender - Hillsong United Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is Exodus 14:27-31 "Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is Acts 4:10b-13 "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is Mark 12:41-44 "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

This week's passage is Mark 12:41-44 "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Music: Everything And Nothing Less - words and music by Aaron Ivey, Chris McClarney, Jason Ingram To Be Like You - words and music by Brooke Ligertwood, Matt Crocker Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is Genesis 15:1-6 'Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord , what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since you've given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord , and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.'

This week's passage is Genesis 15:1-6 'Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord , what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since you've given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord , and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.' Music: You Meet Me Here | Vineyard Worship Holy Spirit | Bryan & Katie Torwalt Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

We'd love to connect with you and hear stories of what God has said to you through these times in His presence. Reach out via podcast@thehopeco.com or follow along with us on Instagram @practicinghispresence! Today's practice is a Divine Reading (traditionally known as Lectio Divina) where we will invite God's voice to speak to us as we meditate upon a passage from the book of Isaiah. We love this description of the practice of Lectio Divina from John Mark Comer: "Lectio Divina (Latin for “spiritual reading”) is a way of reading Scripture with the specific aim of hearing God's voice over your life. There are four basics movements (from four Latin words), but the mechanics are not as important as many people think. It's less of a technique, and more of a heart posture and pace. The basic idea is simply to find a quiet place to read Scripture slowly with your ear open to God's voice through the text. Unlike Bible study (another wonderful practice) the goal is less to hear what he was saying to them (the original audience), but to take the next step and hear what he is saying to you." This week's passage is Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”