Knowing God

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said,
 ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify
 you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal
 life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they
 may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 17:1-3

What does it mean to know someone, as opposed to knowing about someone?  There is a significant difference, and that difference speaks volumes about the depth of the relationship.  Furthermore, the depth of the relationship speaks volumes about how the people involved "are" in the moments of farewell, separation, and reunion. 

When you say farewell to someone you love deeply and intimately (ie, you KNOW them), they remain present with you long after their physical departure.  Because of the depth of your relationship, the sound of their voice, the light of their glance, even the sensation of their touch all endure even though none of those experiences are literally present.  The quality of the relationship transcends time and space, and when reunion occurs it is as though you have been together all along. 

Perhaps, because of the depth of the relationship, you actually have been "with" one another all along, right?

I have several human relationships of this quality in my life. 

I also have many acquaintances.  These relationships are not less important.  They are simply different.  I know some things about them, and I may thoroughly enjoy their presence, when it is there.  However, when we aren't together, I don't usually sense their presence in my life at all, unless I am thinking about the context in which I know them. 

 My connection with these people is connected to a specific time and place.  We may share specific intentions or goals.  We work and play well together when we are together.  Still, when we are not together our lives separate and the connection dissolves until the next opportunity for getting together -- and usually when we get together we need to "catch up" with each other before depth of mutual understanding can return. 

I think now of the relationship with God, who loves us beyond measure and unconditionally.  God present at all times, seeking us, reaching out towards us through the Holy Spirit, transcending time and space and history and circumstance.  One can't help but wonder what effect our participation in that relationship has upon our awareness of its depth. 

What patterns and practices in our life (including frequency of prayer and worship) evolve from our love of God who loves us?  How do we see God fully present with us even though the physical expression of God in Christ occurred only briefly, thousands of years ago?  Do you feel God's constant presence daily?  Is Sunday worship a time when you are more intently focused upon God (or is it the only time you are focused upon God)? 

The answer to that question my give you many clues about the degree to which you "know" God.   Based upon those clues, what is your hope and desire for knowing God?