Living Before God: Deepening Our Sense of the Divine Presence

Spiritual Life, Fall 2000 by Jordan, Regis

Living Before God: Deepening Our Sense of the Divine Presence. By Ben Campbell Johnson. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. 8. Eerdmans, 2000. Pp. 142. Paper. $15.

Writing in the tradition of Brother Lawrence and those authors concerned with the realization of God's presence amid the daily round, Ben Campbell Johnson offers a collection of traditional spiritual practices that Christians have found helpful in fostering a more consistent relationship with God. Following an introductory discussion of the reality and nature of spiritual awareness, including a fascinating excursus on the "art of wondering," each chapter of this book describes a spiritual posture that can aid people in recognizing and nurturing God's presence in their lives. Johnson explores ways of being with God, listening to God, and attending the divine presence. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for journaling, designed to let readers experience each specific posture in a concrete way.