The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence (book review)

Title: The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence
Author: James W. Goll
Publisher: Destiny Image Publishers, Inc
Date: 2005
Pages: 245

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence (book review)

James W. Goll, the founder of God Encounter Ministries, takes a look at how the church, as a whole, has lost being in God’s presence. Through dividing the book into four parts, he takes the reader on an inward journey to being in God’s presence.

The first part takes a look at what intimacy, contemplative prayer and extravegant worship are. This challenges the reader to think about where one’s life is with God and encourages one to more forward closer to God.

Then he takes look at what it means to quiet one’s soul and wait on God, creating a greater union with Christ. Finally, he looks at being lit on fire for God in His presence and bringing that fire into the world for all to see.

James uses a lot of Scripture verses to show what He is trying to teach. He also uses many examples from the writings of Brother Lawrence, Andrew Murray and St Theresa. He also uses Joseph in the Old Testament as an example to encourage believers to get closer to God. At the end of each chapter, he also asks the reader various questions to ponder what was talked about.

All of this is built around the concept of the tabernacle in the Old Testament. He points out that as New Testament believers we are now the temple of God. The door is made open by Jesus in the same way the Holy of Holies was made available to the high priest in the Old Testament.

Although this book is not very long, I did take about three months to read it. It took time to digest all of the thoughts and to apply the concepts in practicing being in His presence.

I highly recommend reading this, but not only reading it, apply what is shown in this book. It will definitely challenge your walk with God and bring your intimacy with Him to new levels.