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When Jesus sent out the 70 disciples he wanted them to be present wherever they went. I was struck by this insight while praying. Being present wherever we go is the journey. Being present is being aware of our surroundings, the sounds, the people, and the movement of things. These are signs of being alive in the moment. So often we go through life like a zombie, putting one foot in front of the other, never giving a thought of what is in front or behind us. In prayer, Jesus calls us to be present, to be aware of Jesus’ presence in that moment. In 1st Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to pray without ceasing. So, if we are called to pray without ceasing then as we practice being present, we are also practicing praying. Being present with Jesus is praying, always. When we practice praying we are practicing being present and this action is constant, never ending whether we are in the grocery store, the classroom or as we cook a meal. No wonder the disciples returned excited, they knew the never failing presence of their beloved Jesus. We, too can know this presence.
When have you known the presence of Jesus? What was going on in your life? How did it make you feel and what was the outcome of your experience?