Practice of the presence of God

The awareness of God's presence, whether purely spiritually or through some sign appreciated by the senses (fire; cloud; light; still small voice) is one experience common to all religions. As a spiritual exercise in the Christian church, the [practice of the presence of God]

is at the same time an act of the will and of the intellect, and an affective act. The mind is turned to God, the will is strengthened and the desire to reject sin and serve God is awakened. The practice is particularly associated with the life of Brother Lawrence (1611-1691); it has been related to the sadhana of Isvarapranidhanadva mentioned in the Yogasutras of Patanjali. The term [Sakina]

in Islam comes form the Hebrew [Shekina]

- it refers both to the presence of God in, for example, the Ark of the Covenant, and as it occurs in an individual (the experience of spiritual peace and security), and again as it manifests in a person's character (calm, dignity). Such presence is described as radiance or glory of God in the midst of his people, in no way distant or aloof. In yoga, the presence of the alone is seen as the silent appreciation of the absolute good, a stilling of heart and mind and quietening of all other demands. It is this experience which is sometimes referred to by Christians as the presence of the Holy Ghost.