The Candid Christian

Over the years, by the grace of God, I’ve consistently increased the amount of time I spend with the Lord—personally, in prayer with my biological family, the Candid Christian Community, and my church (RCCG The Oasis).

It hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been a gradual, intentional journey of choosing presence. Choosing stillness. Choosing to show up.

As I write this, I’m on my way to our monthly vigil. There are a few questions resting quietly on my heart—questions I’m certain will be answered during the service. Not because I’ve planned the exact moment they’ll be addressed, but because I’ve learned that God speaks… and He speaks often.

The real work is learning how to listen.

God Speaks — But Are We Present Enough to Hear Him?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my walk with God is this: His voice is not limited to one moment or one method.

Sometimes we expect God to speak only during the sermon, or during worship, or during prayers. But often, He speaks through any part of the service:

• A scripture reading

• A testimony

• A prayer said quietly

• A song lyric that suddenly lands differently

• A passing thought that won’t leave your heart

When we’re distracted, rushed, or mentally absent, we can miss the very thing we came looking for.

This is why being present in every session matters. Not just the parts we personally enjoy, but the entire experience. Presence keeps us attentive. Presence keeps our hearts open. Presence positions us to recognize God’s voice when it comes—sometimes softly, sometimes unexpectedly.

The Discipline of Showing Up Fully

There’s a difference between attending and being present. You can be physically in a room and still miss what God is doing.

Over time, I’ve learned to approach time with God—especially corporate gatherings—with intentional awareness. I try to remain open from beginning to end, trusting that God knows exactly when and how to reach me.

Because sometimes the answer doesn’t come the way we expect, and sometimes, it doesn’t come to the question we thought we were asking.

When You Come Without Questions — Just to Be With Him

I don’t always come into God’s presence with a list of questions. Sometimes, I come simply to enjoy Him. To sit with Him. To worship alongside others. To learn something new or to be reminded of something important I already know—but may have forgotten.

Learning to be present with God has taught me that expectations and relationship are not opposites. I can come expectant and still be surrendered. I can bring questions and still rest. And often, it’s in those moments of quiet companionship with Him that my heart receives what it truly needs.

Presence Changes Everything

When we learn to be present:

• We hear more clearly

• We receive more deeply

• We notice the small nudges

• We grow in discernment

• We experience God beyond routine

Presence teaches us to slow down, to pay attention, and to trust that God is always speaking—even when we’re not actively searching for answers.

A Question for You ❤️

As you reflect on your own time with God—whether personal or corporate:

Have you ever realized that God spoke to you through an unexpected moment or part of a service you almost overlooked?

I’d love for you to share in the comments. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.