If we want our young people to live lives of faith, we need to live in the presence of Jesus. If the Christian faith is to offer any light, love, or truth to young people, we have to move beyond words. We have to share not only the teachings of Jesus but, more importantly, the presence of Jesus.
What does it mean to be present? It means being open and available to others with as much of ourselves as possible, as unguarded as possible. To be present is to be awake to the mystery of God within each moment. It means relating to youth in the way Jesus related to people with authenticity and transparency.
Practicing the Presence of Jesus: Intro to Contemplative Youth Ministry, by
Mark Yaconelli
I read the article, “Practicing the Presence of Jesus: Intro to Contemplative Youth Ministry” by Mark Yaconelli. I was drawn in by the thought of practicing the presence of Jesus with young people, but also with people in general. I will admit, for me, it is a somewhat convicting yet affirming article.
There is no substitute for presence. In America, we have learned the importance of productivity, but not so much the importance of presence. Both are important, yet presence yields a more grounding state of being. To sit in the felt sense of being loved by God and to experience God’s presence in the here and now is a spiritual practice in which one comes with no agenda except to be with God. This simple practice of stillness and silence has the potential to support our productivity, giving us a more connected presence as we engage in our everyday work.
It is a long article, but it is well worth the read!
marieproctor.com 
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