The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence

In this book James Goll speaks to the importance of drawing near to God and ways to do so. I generally liked Goll’s writing and those from past he included, such as Teresa of Avila and Brother Lawrence. However, although I found the book helpful, I also found many little problems. Here are some of them:He belabors points, especially in the first half of the bookA few discussions, like the one on quieting the mind, contradicted itselfOther topics, like the New Age Movement, was explained for much too longToo many long lists where he repeats the same idea in different wordsToo broad in scope and didn’t always adhere to the topic. For example, Goll expounds in detail and depth on the Protestant Reformation and Jesus’ birth.Although progression through his doors had important messages, they held similarities to both Buddhism and HinduismSome parts were pure speculation, like “That night in Bethany, Mary of Bethany may have approached Jesus, a strong, virile Jewish man in this early thirties, in a manner similar to the way she had approached many others, at least outwardly. She came to ‘let her hair down’….”Very repetitive with some ideas given over and over againUses some Eastern concepts about meditationOn rare occasions, I thought he twisted the Bible, as in his discussion of whether or not the Bible says Joshua was a friend of God and saying that Joshua went up the mountain with Moses (Exodus 24:13).Sometimes there were grammatical errors, like misused commas and periods before the parenthesis.Although I agree that prayer is vitally important, Goll seemed to think God can’t do it if we don’t pray for it firstThe beginning and the last part were better to me than the middle. In the middle he went off topic way too much. Although these discussions had merit, I felt they needed to be in a different book. Sometimes, by the way the book was written, I got the feeling that Goll was trying to stretch things to make the book longer. Regardless, there is more good than bad, and I don’t regret reading it.

I finished the book but did not enjoy the ride.I found the writings of Goll to be pretentious and preachy. I enjoy the embrace of somewhat alternative ideology but the embrace is mainly found in the writings of others. The book relies heavily on the writings of others and I probably would have been better off reading the originals.

It is hard to comprehend all that is available to walk in the presence of God almightyThe choice is clearly ours life somehow has a way if we are willing to allow it to draw us to God the Father. The journey for most of us has times that are closer than others. Reality God never moves our knowledge and understanding of his Love and Purpose transforms us if we are willing to walk it out. Very well written

It looks like James Goll came out with another good book. It came out just in time for me, because I've been trying to enhance my prayer time, but didn't really know how. I heard of contemplative prayer from his other book called "The Seer", but he only touched on it lightly. So I was left wanting to know more. In this book, he goes into detail.He even has the "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence in this book, which was right on time for me, again. It was on time, because I had read about Brother Lawrence's letters in e-Sword. I was reading it, but I prefer to read something like that in a book, instead of on the computer.This book really helped me understand what meditating on His Word meant. It also helped expose what's wrong with New Age beliefs and meditation. After reading this book, I'm now striving to create a habit of keeping my focus on the presence of God as often as I can. So, if you're someone that wants to acknowledge God in all your ways, this would be a good book to help you out.

A true must read for those Christian who are tired of the same old same old...this book outlines an age old path to a deeper fellowship with The Living God through a wonder called contemplative prayer, prayer of quite, or Christian meditation.Dig in for a life changing experience.

The ebook comes down to clearing your mind by meditating and meditating on Gods word and his presence, however the book doesn't give you a clear direction on how to do that. It gives benefits and examples from other authors but doesn't lead you to reaching the goal of Gods presence by doing meditation in this or that way. The book fell short of the title like many books along the same lines. The author doesn't get you to the goal of the title of his book "Practicing His Presence" that is why it is a lost art because some many of us don't know the details of getting started. In other words just meditating is not the answer, the answer is how to go about it. If you want a book that almost gets you there than read this book.

James Goll is very unique. Let's use eccentric. But most of all Amazing when he advises to find the intimacy that is only shared through friendship and spending time in His presence that leads you into amazing encounters.

This was a really excellent read. It well explains contemplative prayer and is very practical - handling issues such as coping with wandering thoughts and distractions. More than anything it gave me a hunger to really hear God for myself. It also gives a clear message as to why there is so much shallowness with so many Christians today - that they have not really mastered the skill of sitting quietly before the Lord and entering the secret place of intimacy with the Holy Spirit in meditation. I highly recommend it.

I am reading this book slowly, savouring the rich truths. Not previously read this author butthe book was recommended to me. Glad I decided to get my own copy I have made so many notes in it!

I found this a challenging book - a challenge to activity based Christianity that is not motivated by the voice of God, or based in knowing Him initmately. Practicng His presence is not easy for people like me who love accomplishments, results and action. Yet here is found a beautiful rest. I found the reptition at times irritating again because I wanted the answer hmmmm!! This is not a 10 step programme or formula a+b=c - no this is about relationship about time out about focusing on who He is.

Amazing and totally life transforming. I strongly recommend to every believer. The practice of His presence makes our Christian journey blissful and the burden indeed is easy and light knowing we are always with Him and He is always with us. Great book. Will read it again and again

Fine written book concentrating on how to know the full constant presence of God. Good spiritual helps in knowing a deeper walk with God.