Practicing the Presence of God: A Blueprint for Everyday Holiness
In a world clamoring for instant gratification and external validation, the profound wisdom of spiritual practice often takes a backseat. Yet, seekers of truth have found solace and strength in the deliberate cultivation of a deeper connection with the divine. Bettina Schuller, in her remarkably insightful and deeply practical guide, “This is Living! Practicing the Presence of God: A Prayer and Meditation Guide for Daily Life,” doesn’t just reintroduce this ancient wisdom; she meticulously crafts a contemporary blueprint for integrating divine awareness into the very fabric of our daily existence. This isn’t merely a book about prayer; it’s an invitation to experience life as a continuous conversation with the sacred, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for profound spiritual growth.
At its core, Schuller’s work is an accessible yet profound exploration of Brother Lawrence’s timeless philosophy, “practicing the presence of God.” However, she elevates this concept from an abstract ideal to a tangible, actionable practice for the modern individual. This comprehensive guide will delve into the two distinct yet interconnected parts of “This is Living!”, dissecting its key teachings, practical applications, and the transformative message Schuller so passionately conveys.
The Author’s Vision: More Than Just a Book, It’s a Lifestyle
Bettina Schuller’s unique contribution lies in her ability to demystify spiritual practice. She understands that for many, the idea of “practicing the presence of God” conjures images of monastic retreats or esoteric rituals, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Schuller shatters these preconceptions. Her central message is undeniably clear: This is Living!—the exclamation mark isn’t merely stylistic; it’s a declaration. It proclaims that true living, vibrant and meaningful living, arises from an ongoing, conscious communion with the Divine. This isn’t about escaping life’s challenges but rather about navigating them with a profound sense of peace, purpose, and unshakeable inner strength, born from a constant awareness of God’s loving presence.
Schuller’s approach is refreshing because it’s deeply empathetic. She acknowledges the modern individual’s struggles: the relentless pace, the constant distractions, the feeling of being overwhelmed. She doesn’t preach from an ivory tower but walks alongside the reader, offering practical tools and compassionate encouragement. Her writing style is clear, concise, and infused with a gentle wisdom that resonates deeply. She masterfully blends theological insights with psychological understanding, creating a holistic guide that addresses not just the spiritual but also the emotional and mental well-being of the reader.
Part One: Laying the Foundation – Understanding the Practice
The first part of “This is Living!” is dedicated to building a robust conceptual and practical foundation for understanding and embarking on the journey of practicing the presence of God. Schuller doesn’t assume prior knowledge; instead, she meticulously breaks down the core tenets, making them accessible to both seasoned spiritual practitioners and curious newcomers alike.
The Essence of Presence: Beyond Rituals and Dogma
Schuller begins by defining what “practicing the presence of God” truly means. She clarifies that it’s not about adhering to rigid rituals or dogmatic beliefs, though these can certainly be supportive. Instead, it’s about cultivating an inner disposition of awareness, a constant turning of one’s attention towards the divine within and around us. She emphasizes that God isn’t a distant, abstract entity, but an ever-present, loving force intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. This foundational understanding is crucial, as it shifts the focus from external performance to internal transformation.
She eloquently explains that practicing the presence is about recognizing God in the seemingly mundane: in the warmth of a morning coffee, the sound of birdsong, the challenge of a difficult conversation, or the quiet solitude of a moment of reflection. It’s about seeing the sacred infused in the ordinary, transforming every moment into an opportunity for divine encounter.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Reality of Distraction
Schuller is remarkably realistic about the challenges inherent in this practice. She dedicates significant attention to identifying and addressing common obstacles, particularly the pervasive nature of distraction in modern life. She acknowledges the “monkey mind” – the constant chatter, worries, and endless to-do lists that pull us away from the present moment and, by extension, from God’s presence.
Crucially, she doesn’t advocate for suppressing these distractions but rather for gently redirecting our attention. She introduces techniques for recognizing when the mind wanders and bringing it back, not with self-condemnation, but with compassionate awareness. This realistic approach makes the practice feel achievable rather than overwhelming. She explores the spiritual implications of our hyper-connected world and offers antidotes to digital overload, encouraging readers to create intentional spaces for quiet and reflection.
The Role of Prayer and Meditation: More Than Just Words
While the book’s subtitle highlights “Prayer and Meditation,” Schuller expands on these concepts beyond conventional definitions. She presents prayer not just as formal supplication but as a continuous dialogue, a state of being in conversation with God throughout the day. This includes spontaneous expressions of gratitude, moments of silent adoration, and even honest laments.
Meditation, in Schuller’s framework, isn’t about emptying the mind but about focusing it – on God’s attributes, on scripture, on a simple word or phrase that serves as an anchor for awareness. She offers various meditative techniques, from breath-focused meditations to contemplative prayer, making the practice accessible to different temperaments and preferences. She provides practical examples of short, accessible meditations that can be integrated into busy schedules, emphasizing quality over quantity. The key is consistency, even if it’s just a few minutes here and there.
Practical Exercises and Reflection Prompts
A defining feature of “This is Living!” is its highly practical nature. Part One is replete with actionable exercises, reflective questions, and journaling prompts designed to deepen the reader’s understanding and facilitate immediate application. These aren’t theoretical musings but concrete steps that encourage active engagement with the material. For instance, she might suggest dedicating a specific chore to God, consciously offering it as an act of service, or practicing silent gratitude during a commute. These small, consistent efforts compound over time, fostering a habit of divine awareness.
Schuller’s guidance on how to integrate these practices into the mundane tasks of daily life is invaluable. She provides examples for various scenarios: waiting in line, doing dishes, commuting, or engaging in conversations. This practical application is what makes the book truly “human-friendly” and distinguishes it from more academic or theoretical spiritual texts.
Part Two: Living the Presence – Integration into Daily Life
If Part One lays the groundwork, Part Two is where the rubber meets the road. Here, Schuller guides the reader on how to seamlessly weave the practice of God’s presence into the intricate tapestry of their everyday lives, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters. This section is a masterclass in applied spirituality, offering concrete strategies for living a life imbued with divine awareness.
The Everyday Sacrament: Finding God in All Things
Schuller’s central message in Part Two is that every moment can be a “sacrament” – an outward sign of an inward grace – if we approach it with conscious awareness of God. She illustrates this by providing numerous examples across different facets of life: work, relationships, challenges, rest, and even moments of solitude.
- Work as Worship: She encourages readers to see their professional endeavors not just as a means to an end, but as opportunities to serve God and others, to practice excellence and integrity as expressions of their faith. This shifts the paradigm from drudgery to divine purpose.
- Relationships as Reflections of God’s Love: Schuller emphasizes that our interactions with others – family, friends, colleagues, even strangers – are prime opportunities to manifest God’s love, patience, and compassion. She provides guidance on how to bring conscious presence to conversations, to listen more deeply, and to respond with empathy.
- Embracing Challenges with Divine Strength: Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Part Two is Schuller’s guidance on navigating difficulties. She doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering, stress, and setbacks. Instead, she teaches readers to lean into God’s presence during these times, seeing challenges not as deterrents to spiritual practice, but as catalysts for deeper reliance on divine strength and wisdom. This reframing of adversity is profoundly empowering.
- Rest and Recreation as Renewal: Schuller reminds us that even rest and recreation can be imbued with God’s presence. She encourages intentional rest, not just as a cessation of activity, but as a time for spiritual renewal and gratitude for God’s provision.
Developing a Spiritual Rhythm: Consistency and Gentleness
A key theme in Part Two is the development of a sustainable spiritual rhythm. Schuller understands that consistency is vital, but she also advocates for gentleness and self-compassion. She stresses that lapses are inevitable, and the goal isn’t perfection, but persistence. She encourages readers to establish small, manageable habits – a brief morning prayer, a moment of mindful gratitude before meals, a conscious breath practice during stressful moments.
She provides frameworks for creating personalized spiritual routines that fit individual lifestyles, emphasizing flexibility over rigidity. The idea is to weave God’s presence into the existing fabric of one’s life, rather than trying to force a separate, demanding spiritual regimen. This “human-friendly” approach makes the practice feel achievable and sustainable for the long term.
Overcoming Spiritual Dryness and Doubt
Schuller also addresses the inevitable periods of spiritual dryness or doubt that many practitioners experience. She normalizes these experiences, assuring readers that they are a natural part of the spiritual journey. Crucially, she offers practical strategies for navigating these valleys – doubling down on consistent (even if seemingly fruitless) practice, seeking spiritual community, engaging with scripture, and trusting in God’s unwavering presence even when it feels distant. This compassionate guidance prevents readers from becoming discouraged and abandoning their practice during challenging times.
The Transformative Impact: A Life of Purpose and Peace
The culmination of Part Two, and indeed the entire book, is the profound transformation that occurs when one consistently practices the presence of God. Schuller vividly describes the fruits of this labor: a deeper sense of peace, increased joy, greater resilience in the face of adversity, enhanced empathy, a clearer sense of purpose, and an unshakeable connection to the divine. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a lived experience.
She illustrates how this practice leads to a more integrated, authentic, and fulfilling life. It’s about experiencing “This is Living!” not just as a concept, but as a daily reality – a life vibrant with God’s presence, radiating peace and purpose.
Practicing the Presence of God Daily
The Author’s Core Message/Teaching: Living a Radically Present Life with God
Bettina Schuller’s overarching message in “This is Living! Practicing the Presence of God” can be encapsulated in one powerful teaching: That a life of profound spiritual depth and vibrant purpose is not reserved for the cloistered or the exceptionally devout, but is accessible to everyone, here and now, through the conscious cultivation of God’s ever-present reality.
She implores us to move beyond a compartmentalized understanding of faith – where God is relegated to Sunday mornings or moments of crisis – and instead to embrace a holistic, integrated spirituality. The author wants to convey that God is not just in the grand gestures but in the minutiae of everyday existence. The dishes we wash, the emails we send, the conversations we have, the queues we stand in – all can become sacred encounters, opportunities to acknowledge and respond to the divine presence.
Schuller’s teaching is a call to radical presence, not just mindfulness in a secular sense, but a God-infused mindfulness. It’s about living with open spiritual eyes, ears, and hearts, attuned to the subtle whispers and profound declarations of God’s love and guidance in every moment. She emphasizes that this practice is not about achieving some elusive state of perfection, but about cultivating a consistent orientation of the heart towards God.
Furthermore, Schuller conveys a message of profound hope and empowerment. She reassures readers that despite our imperfections, our distractions, and our struggles, God is always present, always inviting us into deeper communion. The practice isn’t about earning God’s favor, but about recognizing and responding to His unconditional love that is already there.
The transformative power of this teaching lies in its ability to shift our perspective from striving to abiding. Instead of constantly chasing external achievements or fleeting pleasures, Schuller guides us to find profound contentment and purpose in the simple, yet profound, act of being present with God, turning every moment into an offering, every breath into a prayer. This is the essence of “This is Living!” – a vibrant, deeply connected, and purpose-driven existence, rooted in the unshakeable reality of God’s loving presence. It is a timeless wisdom, urgently needed in our hyper-connected, often disconnected, world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in prayer and meditation?
A: Absolutely. Schuller writes with clarity and simplicity, making this book ideal for newcomers. She provides step-by-step guidance and avoids complex jargon.
Q: Do I need to be Christian to benefit from this book?
A: While the book is rooted in Christian spirituality, its themes of presence, mindfulness, and intentional living are universally applicable. Many non-Christian readers have found value in its insights.
Q: Are there discussion questions or group study materials included?
A: Yes, each chapter ends with reflection questions and practical exercises, making it suitable for individual or group study.
Q: How long does it take to complete the book?
A: The book is structured to be read slowly and reflectively. Most readers spend 4–6 weeks working through it at a comfortable pace.
Q: Can this book be used alongside other spiritual practices or books?
A: Definitely. Its flexible format allows it to complement other spiritual disciplines or resources you may already be using.
