Can you feel God’s presence when praying?
There are times when we will feel or experience God’s presence while we are praying. Although this can happen often, it is not a requirement for God to be present, or for us to have a relationship with Him.
The only thing that is required for us to have a relationship with God is for us to turn away from our sin and believe in Him. Then once we do that we have free access to spend time in His presence through prayer, worship, and the reading of His word.
God’s presence is not something that is always felt, but rather it is something that is believed.
Jesus has already promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), that He is as close to us as the mention of His name (John 14:13), and that as we draw near to Him He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
So God’s presence is not something that we feel but something we believe. Cause all God’s presence is simply God being present, and since He has already promised us that He is present we do not need to feel anything we just need to believe. [Related article: Is the Presence of God the Holy Spirit? (Biblical Answer)].
The Bible is constantly exhorting us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)., and that faith, a lot of times, is in direct opposition to feelings.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)
Seeing is one of our senses, just like feeling is. And this verse tells us that faith brings into reality the things we hope for without the evidence of our senses.
So as we come before God in faith His presence is already there, we do not need to feel anything. Although this may happen at times it is not a requirement for God being present.
Here are some related articles: What does the Presence of God Feel Like? (Explained) and Why can’t I feel God’s Presence? (Helful Insight).
How to Feel God’s Presence when Praying?
Feeling God’s presence is something that happens in the process of getting to know Him. As we pray and seek Him we will experience His presence some days, while other days we may not.
And often we may even find that that the more we consistently seek Him in faith-filled prayer His presence may begin to manifest more often.
The reason why this may happen is because God is rewarding with Himself. There are two passages of scripture that reveal this.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
Now although both of these scriptures mentioned reward for seeking God in prayer I don’t necessarily believe that they solely mean God will give us an experience of His presence.
I actually think the reward mentioned here has more to do with transforming us into the image of Christ, giving us revelation of Himself and His word, and filling us with peace and joy. (Related article: 5 Things the Presence of God does in our Lives).
However, this does not mean that God won’t reward us with a manifestations of His presence. Because His presence is transforming, it carries revelations, and it is filled with peace and joy.
I have learned by experience that the more I spend time with God the more I experience and feel His presence.
But although this is true, we never seek after a manifestation. We stand grounded in God’s word through faith and if a manifestation comes-great! But if it doesn’t we keep believing the Bible and we don’t fall apart.
Prayer for God’s Presence
Father, I thank You that You are always present with me and that wherever I go You are there. Lord, help me draw near to You through prayer, worship, and the reading of Your word. Remind me to commune with You throughout the day so that I can become a dwelling place of Your presence. Holy Spirit I appreciate You. You are the presence of God on the earth and I trust You and ask You to help me draw near to the Father every day of my life. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
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