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Presence and Encounter: The Sacramental Possibilities of Everyday Life
The most vital and significant moments in life are moments of encounter. Whether we encounter ourselves, others, or God, these moments let us know that life is meaningful. And presence is what makes encounter possible. When we are truly present, everything that has being becomes potentially present to us.In this unique resource, David Benner invites us to live with more presence so we can know the presence of God more deeply in our lives. Drawing on over thirty-five years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality, Benner examines the transformational possibilities of spiritual presence and encounter in fresh, exciting, and practical ways. He helps readers understand the personal and interpersonal dimensions of presence and encounter, revealing how they mediate Divine Presence and serve as sacraments of everyday life. His rich meditations are presented in a voice that is intelligent, compassionate, and engaging. The book includes end-of-chapter reflection exercises for individual or group use and a foreword by Richard Rohr.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
56 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
David G. Benner
43 books191 followersDavid G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach. He currently serves as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute, Richmont Graduate University. He has authored or edited more than twenty books, including Soulful Spirituality and Strategic Pastoral Counseling
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 14, 2014
As I finish the most recent book by Dr David G Benner, I am increasingly aware of how thankful I am for people who can articulate lived experience in a way that allow me to see my world more clearly. I have been thinking about his words and why they have touched me so deeply. I think it has been because of those who have revealed something of the divine through their willingness to be present to me in conversation. I am thankful for those who have let me glimpse a bit of the transcendent that is found in their life. I am privileged to know so many insightful people who have helped me become more fully aware of God's presence in this world. To quote Benner, "Presence makes us aware of the thin places in which we walk and live. It is the threshold through which we pass to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. (116, Presence and Encounter)"
December 19, 2014
"We think dialogue is easy because we confuse it with things like discussion, debate, conversation or the simple exchange of opinions or information. But dialogue is profoundly different from each of these things...It holds the possibility of changing not just opinions, perspectives, and understanding, but us. It involves two or more people talking with each other for no other purpose than to deeply meet each other."
June 6, 2022
In 2018, having read David Benner's excellent book Living Wisdom, I felt inspired to send him an essay of mine I'd recently written called The Sacrament of Breathing. Well, he said some very nice things about it, and his counter volley was to suggest I might enjoy his book Presence and Encounter.
I bought it immediately and got to reading it for the first time just now (3.5 years later). I finished it this afternoon while lying in my sleeping bag on a couch on the verandah, listening to the rain on the roof. He was right.
A great book and highly recommended. It might even be one of my favourite books on the contemplative life. Short, easily digestible, though profound, and with some very fine moments of spiritual direction that have gifted me expansive ideas for the stuff that matters. I feel happy about all this.
I bought it immediately and got to reading it for the first time just now (3.5 years later). I finished it this afternoon while lying in my sleeping bag on a couch on the verandah, listening to the rain on the roof. He was right.
A great book and highly recommended. It might even be one of my favourite books on the contemplative life. Short, easily digestible, though profound, and with some very fine moments of spiritual direction that have gifted me expansive ideas for the stuff that matters. I feel happy about all this.
September 10, 2022
There’s a lot to take away from Benner’s reflections on Presence and Encounter. Leaning heavily on the philosophy of “I-Thou” , Benner writes on the significance of encountering presence in our lives, how we can be people of presence, and the ways that those encounters connect us to the Divine. Richard Rohr’s Christian Universalist influence becomes pretty apparent as you dive further into the book, but there is still much to take away from it for anyone, regardless of their theological disposition.
October 26, 2023
I loved this book and simultaneously was annoyed by it. I read it slowly - taking in just a couple of chapters per sitting and allowing it to marinate for a week or so. The concepts were beautifully laid out and inviting. I needed this opportunity to dwell deeply in a profound idea. And...I found, at times, it to be quite repetitive and (I'm sorry!) boring. It's not a long book, but it could have been even more condensed.
September 9, 2017
The distraction I felt while reading this book was proof positive that it was a very necessary & timely book for me to read. Benner's foci on presence and encounter was actually a single concept that impacts me on both a professional and personal level. Read it slowly; there's a lot to digest!
July 14, 2020
Many passages that I will want to read again - I found it both very spiritual AND practical.
July 30, 2025
Mm I love shmushing traditions and sifting thru it all to simplicity 🤤
December 18, 2014
Read the full review at The Englewood Review of Books
This year, one of the most thought provoking books I read was Presence and Encounter by David G. Benner. Presence is a powerful word. It is a very simple and profound word, and in the last year, it is word that has reshaped my thinking about how the church should minister in the the world. It started when I heard David Fitch and Chris Smith speak on how the church should be present in the neighborhood. I encountered presence again when Dr. Phil Kenneson presented at the Slow Church conference. He said that we do not have anything more precious to give each other than our own presence. Now, David Benner’s new book Presence and Encounter has added even more depth and weight to the idea of presence. Benner shows how profoundly important it is for us to practice and experience presence in our lives. He writes, “the most vital and significant moments in life are moments of encounter.” In order to make encounter possible, we have be present and experience presence.
For being a relatively short book, it is contains a deeply powerful message. Although at times what Benner writes is complicated because of some philosophical language, it is challenging nonetheless. Most are seeking life change, and most seek it by adding more to their lives. We are told that that if we only had this thing or went to this seminar, then we could be changed. The truth is, true transformation starts with being present and will lead us to encounter with the divine. Benner writes, “All encounters—with other people, with our own depths, or with nature—are mediated by Presence, and that presence is the being of Christ. While this presence is often anonymous, it shouldn’t be any surprise that every now and then the cloak of anonymity slips off and we recognize the Christ who stands before us and with us” (111-112). Presence is such a powerful idea, but most of us miss it everyday. David Benner’s book presents us with a message that we all need to hear.
This year, one of the most thought provoking books I read was Presence and Encounter by David G. Benner. Presence is a powerful word. It is a very simple and profound word, and in the last year, it is word that has reshaped my thinking about how the church should minister in the the world. It started when I heard David Fitch and Chris Smith speak on how the church should be present in the neighborhood. I encountered presence again when Dr. Phil Kenneson presented at the Slow Church conference. He said that we do not have anything more precious to give each other than our own presence. Now, David Benner’s new book Presence and Encounter has added even more depth and weight to the idea of presence. Benner shows how profoundly important it is for us to practice and experience presence in our lives. He writes, “the most vital and significant moments in life are moments of encounter.” In order to make encounter possible, we have be present and experience presence.
For being a relatively short book, it is contains a deeply powerful message. Although at times what Benner writes is complicated because of some philosophical language, it is challenging nonetheless. Most are seeking life change, and most seek it by adding more to their lives. We are told that that if we only had this thing or went to this seminar, then we could be changed. The truth is, true transformation starts with being present and will lead us to encounter with the divine. Benner writes, “All encounters—with other people, with our own depths, or with nature—are mediated by Presence, and that presence is the being of Christ. While this presence is often anonymous, it shouldn’t be any surprise that every now and then the cloak of anonymity slips off and we recognize the Christ who stands before us and with us” (111-112). Presence is such a powerful idea, but most of us miss it everyday. David Benner’s book presents us with a message that we all need to hear.
October 6, 2016
David Benner is one of my favorite authors on the spiritual life. This is a great book about presence (being present and experience presence from the other) and encounter (meeting by presence). There is so much insight here. Benner's writing is a blend psychological acuity with a mystic soulfulness, and accessibility. He will quote authors I find spurious (such as Eckhart Tolle), but weave their thought into a tapestry.
This book specifically is insightful for its description of what it means to be present, how presence of/to anything is a gateway to transcendence, how encounter means letting go of expectations and dialogue means mutual sharing. Buber's I-Thou is in the background here, as is an incarnational mysticism and sacramentality.
This great stuff. I had a electronic library copy so couldn't mark it all up, but when I get my own copy, you bet I will.
This book specifically is insightful for its description of what it means to be present, how presence of/to anything is a gateway to transcendence, how encounter means letting go of expectations and dialogue means mutual sharing. Buber's I-Thou is in the background here, as is an incarnational mysticism and sacramentality.
This great stuff. I had a electronic library copy so couldn't mark it all up, but when I get my own copy, you bet I will.
June 8, 2015
Benner takes us deeper
The material in the book is exactly how the title sells it. Being new to Benner's work I was impressed with his simple prose and his ability to make a clear, concise point on a topic that many people simply don't spend much time with. The chapters are relatively short, and conclude with a challenge to stop and think, as well as some thoughtful reflection questions. I would recommend this book to anyone who finds that they too often get caught up in the mundane of doing and neglecting slow down and focus on being.
The material in the book is exactly how the title sells it. Being new to Benner's work I was impressed with his simple prose and his ability to make a clear, concise point on a topic that many people simply don't spend much time with. The chapters are relatively short, and conclude with a challenge to stop and think, as well as some thoughtful reflection questions. I would recommend this book to anyone who finds that they too often get caught up in the mundane of doing and neglecting slow down and focus on being.
June 23, 2016
I want to give this book 10 stars. To every page, every section, my soul spoke "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Beautifully written. Wise beyond the page. I love David Benner's work and this is yet one more piece that I will return to many times over the years.
November 4, 2015
Interesting take on spiritual concepts. Unless someone is trying to push the limit on their thoughts about God, I would not recommend.
December 19, 2020
There are some profound statements in this slim volume, butI do wonder whether Benner is practicing evangelical dating.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews