DAIVA SANNIDHI

1.What, How, Where?
2.Steps of Daiva Sannidhi
3.Testimonies
4.Sannidhi Communities.

Introduction

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:6 Prayer is more than words; it is the soul's intimate conversation with the Divine. Through prayer, we find strength in our weaknesses, hope in moments of despair, and peace amid life's storms. It is not merely about asking but about surrendering—aligning our hearts with God's will and trusting in His perfect plan. In prayer, we are both heard and healed, as we draw closer to the One who understands us completely. It serves as a bridge, connecting our finite lives with God's infinite love and wisdom, reminding us that we are never alone on our journey.

The Seven Steps of Prayer

1. Concentration - Focusing the mind and heart on God.
2. Confession of sins - Acknowledging and repenting for our sins.
3. Resolution - Commitment on Dedicating ourselves fully to God's will.
4. Submission - Setting ourselves apart for God's purposes.
5. Praying with petitions.
6. Commendation - Expressing praise and gratitude to God.
7. Contemplation - Deeply reflecting on God’s presence and His Word

The Procedure of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful practice open to all—regardless of your background, faith, or past. Whether you are lost in doubt, burdened by sin, or even tormented by inner turmoil, the steps of prayer offer a path to discovering the true nature of God and receiving His gift of salvation. No matter the state of your heart or mind—even if overwhelmed by disbelief or plagued by dark thoughts—if you commit to these steps with sincerity, you will find blessing and peace. This is a personal journey, one that must be undertaken individually, in the quiet of your own heart, where God sees and understands all.

Step 1: Concentration – Focusing the mind and heart on God.

The First Step of Prayer: Concentration – Focusing the mind and heart on God. Explanation of step 1 - Friend, if you want to pray effectively, focus on three key elements: a quiet time, a private place, and an undivided mind. Begin by finding a time and place free from distractions. Go into your room, close the door, kneel, and close your eyes. Clear your mind of all thoughts, both good and bad, and focus solely on Jesus Christ. Let nothing else occupy your thoughts—not your troubles, not your sins, not your fears. Centre your mind entirely on the presence of Christ. Ask yourself three important questions: *Is the memory of the Lord in my heart? Do I feel His presence? Do I believe He is truly here with me? Reflect on His promise: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). Trust that He is here with you now. Jesus also taught, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6). Believe that your Father is always near, ready to hear your prayer. Concentration is essential. It is the foundation of meaningful prayer. If distractions arise, gently refocus on God. This effort does not require extraordinary power or special gifts—it is a natural ability given to you by God. Do not say, "I cannot focus." With practice and persistence, you can attain this level of concentration. God has endowed you with the strength needed; you only need to tap into it.
Take heart and trust in His presence.
1. Forget bad things.
2. Forget even good things.
3. Forget things to come.
4. Forget past events.
5. Remember only Christ the Lord.
Praise: After finding inner peace, express your gratitude to God: "O God, Father, I have found peace in Your presence." "You are my Provider, my Protector, my Savior, my Healer, my everything. I worship You and give thanks for all Your blessings." Peace of mind is not limited to prayer time—it should permeate all aspects of life. keep God in your thoughts in every situation. When you receive blessings, remember their source: God, who provides all things. This is true peace of mind—to remember God in times of joy, in times of trouble, and in times of rest. Cultivate this peace constantly. It is not just a state of mind for prayer, but a way of life. The more you practice it in prayer, the more it will shape every part of your existence. When you maintain this focus, your prayer becomes powerful, and you draw closer to God.

Step 2: Confession of our sins – Acknowledging and repenting for our sins

Detailed Explanation of step 2 -Entering God's presence requires spiritual cleanliness. Just as you prepare yourself physically before meeting an authority, you must purify your heart before God. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8), and Paul taught, "Without holiness, no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Any unconfessed sin creates a barrier to your prayers. To remove this barrier and experience true peace, confess each sin sincerely. Confession should be accompanied by genuine sorrow and a commitment to change. Avoid the mindset that sins can be repeated with impunity, as this undervalues God's forgiveness. Instead, confess with a heartfelt resolve to avoid repeating the sins and grieve not just for the harm to yourself but for the offense against God.

Confession of Sin

1. Confess to God—Acknowledge your sins directly to Him.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
2. Review the Ten Commandments—Identify and confess any sins in light of these commandments.
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16)
3. Confess cruelty to animals—Repent for any mistreatment of animals.
"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." (Proverbs 12:10)
4. Confess sins of omission—Admit to duties and responsibilities you have neglected.
"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17)
5. Confess sins of commission—Own up to the wrong actions you have committed.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
6. Acknowledge personal failings—Recognize and repent for your own inadequacies.
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6)
7. Confess misuse of resources—Repent for not using things responsibly.
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Corinthians 4:2)
8. Confess sinful thoughts—Repent for negative or harmful thoughts.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
9. Confess sins of sight—Recognize and repent for inappropriate things you have seen.
"I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me." (Psalm 101:3)
10. Confess sins of hearing—Admit to harmful things you have listened to or accepted.
"A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." (Proverbs 19:11)
11. Confess sins in your efforts—Own up to wrong actions resulting from your efforts.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
12. Confess sins of action—Acknowledge wrongful deeds you have committed.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)
13. Confess to others—Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged..
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
14.Confess sins of attitude—Repent for annoyance, anger, jealousy, disbelief, impatience, despair, cowardice, hopelessness, laziness, gluttony, drunkenness, greed, miserliness, and envy of others' possessions.
"But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." (Colossians 3:8) "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Praise: After confessing, express your gratitude: "O God, thank You for the grace to confess my sins and for Your promise of forgiveness. I trust in Your mercy and am grateful for Your cleansing. Amen." Reflect on scriptures such as Psalms 85:2, Isaiah 43:25, and Hebrews 8:12. May your sorrow transform into joy as you experience God’s forgiveness.

Step 3 - Resolution: Commitment on Dedicating ourselves fully to God's will

Prayer: Oh God! I commit to avoiding past mistakes and refraining from known sins. I will embrace the good I understand and strive to avoid evil. While I cannot foresee every temptation, I believe with Your help I can remain steadfast. If I struggle, I will seek Your assistance. Seal my resolution. Amen.
What is the value of a resolution if one continually falls? Can humans uphold their vows? You may wonder:
1. You cannot predict whether you will fall into past sins again.
2. You cannot foresee if you will succumb to new sins in the future
Why these doubts? Entrust your worries to God and make your vow. As long as you stay in prayer, you can remain steadfast despite doubts. Doubt itself can lead to failure, as seen with Peter walking on water. His sinking was due to doubt, which Jesus rebuked (Matthew 14:31). Therefore, avoid doubt. If you fall despite your efforts, don’t dwell on “why” or “how” but rather seek forgiveness and continue forward. Just as Peter resumed walking after praying, you too should rise and keep moving. The Lord who supports you is always present. Your resolution must remain firm "Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Kinds of Resolution

• I will cease doing evil.
• I will commit to doing good.
• I will fulfill my responsibilities.
• I will praise You in times of difficulty.
• I will praise You even when my prayers go unanswered.
• I will study the Bible regularly.
• I will continue praying and meditating.v • I will share the gospel.
• I will faithfully tithe.
• I will grow in grace with both people and God.
• I will refrain from desiring unnecessary things.

Praise: "Oh God, I thank You for granting me the grace to make this resolution and for Your promises to protect me from falling. I am grateful for Your assurances that You will keep me safe." Oh God, I am grateful for the grace to make this resolution and for Your promises to protect me from falling. I thank You for the scriptures that assure me of Your safeguard. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) "For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again." (Proverbs 24:16)

Step 4 - Submission - Setting ourselves apart for God's purposes.

1. God, may Your will be done.
2. Not my will, but Yours.
3. I surrender my soul, mind, body, wealth, faults, desires, service, and all that I have to You.

To truly surrender, we must return to God everything He has entrusted to us. This is how we sanctify and use them wisely. At the end of every prayer, affirm, "May Your will be done" (Matthew 6:10). If you do not act according to God’s will after praying this, your surrender lacks sincerity. To discern God’s will, consider these points:

1. Whatever is good aligns with God’s will (James 1:17).
2. The teachings in Scripture reflect God’s will (2 Timothy 3:16).

If you are committed to following God’s will, trust that He will reveal it to you. God reveals His will to those who earnestly seek to follow it (Matthew 7:7). While some people receive visions, most of us are guided through the teachings of the Bible. Act according to Scripture, even if it challenges your preferences. This demonstrates true surrender.
Can you ask, "God, if it is Your will, forgive my sins," after committing to "Your will be done"? No, because forgiveness of sins is clearly within God’s will (1 John 1:9). Pray earnestly about your concerns, and God will reveal His will. However, if you do not follow it, you might find it difficult to discern His will in the future. When faced with adversity, accept it with faith, saying, "Your will be done, Lord" (Job 1:21). Like the girl who, when asked why God made her blind, wrote, "Yes, Father! It seemed good in Your sight" (Matthew 11:26), embrace hardships with trust in God’s plan. Your possessions belong to God; use them wisely and with gratitude. Keep them clean, protect them, maintain them, and value them. If you damage them through neglect, seek forgiveness. Praise: Oh Father, I thank You for giving me the strength to surrender to Your will. I praise You, believing that You will guide me to live according to this surrender. Amen.

Step 5 – Praying with Petitions

By praying with petitions, we express our trust in God's love and His perfect plan for our lives, knowing He is always working for our good Praying with Our Petitions involves bringing our personal needs, desires, and concerns before God, trusting in His power, wisdom, and love to provide, guide, and intervene. This form of prayer is an expression of dependence on God and recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of life.
Approaching God with Confidence: When we present our petitions to God, we do so with confidence that He hears us. The Bible encourages believers to approach God boldly, knowing that He is attentive to the prayers of His children. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16
Aligning with God’s Will: Our petitions should seek alignment with God's will and purpose for our lives. This means praying not just for our desires but asking for what God knows is best for us. “And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Expressing Our Needs and Desires: God invites us to bring all our needs and desires before Him, no matter how small or great. Petitions can include requests for daily provision, healing, guidance, peace, and help in difficult situations. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." — Philippians 4:6
Trusting in God’s Answer: Trusting that God will answer according to His perfect wisdom and timing is vital. Sometimes the answer may be "yes," "no," or "wait," but we trust that His response is always for our ultimate good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28
Praying with Faith: Praying with faith means believing that God is able and willing to act on our behalf. It involves having a heart full of faith, even when circumstances seem challenging. "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." — Mark 11:24
Offering Thanksgiving and Praise: Alongside our petitions, it is essential to offer thanksgiving and praise for what God has already done and for His faithfulness. Gratitude reflects trust in God's provision. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Persevering in Prayer: Persistence in prayer shows our earnestness and dependence on God. It reflects faith that God will answer in His time. "And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." — Luke 18:1
Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: While presenting our requests, we acknowledge God’s ultimate authority and sovereignty over all things, trusting His wisdom above our understanding. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." — *Matthew 6:10*
"Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of trust and confidence in Your goodness. I lay my needs and desires before You, knowing that You care for me deeply. I ask for Your guidance in my decisions, Your healing in my body, and Your peace in my heart. Lord, I trust that You know what is best for me, and I submit my will to Yours. Even when I do not understand, help me to trust in Your perfect plan. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for hearing my prayers, and for the many blessings You have already provided. I give You all praise and glory. In Jesus' name, Amen."
There are countless topics for prayer, so you can choose a few each day to focus on. Here are some important topics to include in your prayers:

For Yourself:

1. Forgiveness of sins (Psalm 51:1-2),
2. Power to overcome sin (Romans 6:14),
3. A devout life (1 Thessalonians 5:23),
4. Knowledge of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17),
5. A vibrant prayer life (Philippians 4:6),
6. Relief from difficulties (Psalm 34:17),
7. Physical health (James 5:14-15),
8. Provision for needs (Philippians 4:19),
9. Salvation (Acts 16:31).

For Others:

1. Church outreach and evangelism (Matthew 28:19),
2. Effective communication of the message to other religions (1 Peter 3:15),
3. Support for the poor (Proverbs 19:17),
4. Healing for the sick (Isaiah 53:5),
5. Repentance for sinners (Ezekiel 18:30),
6. Forgiveness and transformation for enemies (Matthew 5:44),
7. Progress of all good works in the world (Galatians 6:9),
8. Justice and success for leaders (Proverbs 21:1),
9. Advancement of educational institutions (Proverbs 4:7),
10. Work of Bible societies (Psalm 119:105),
11. Work of tract societies (Proverbs 15:2),
12. Success in all professions and trades (Proverbs 16:3),
13. Safety for travellers (Psalm 121:8).

Pray about these matters and any others that come to mind. Remember to pray for everyone you know and for all important topics you are aware of.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Praise: Oh God, I thank You for guiding me in the topics I need to pray about. I trust that You hear all my prayers. As I come to You in prayer, I rely on Your guidance to remind me of what needs to be prayed for. I believe you will also guide other believers in their prayers. If I am about to pray for something not aligned with Your will, I trust You will redirect me. I praise You for Your constant presence and guidance.

Step 6- Commendation – Expressing praise and gratitude to God.

The divine characteristics listed here are not the only ones; there are many others. By contemplating these essential characteristics and praising the Father, one can experience spiritual joy and divine communion. Those who know God as the embodiment of auspicious attributes do not become weary of Him. They do not misunderstand His divine actions or characteristics but instead rejoice in reflecting on His attributes and actions.
One can understand that God possesses these characteristics by observing creation. These attributes are demonstrated in the divine scriptures. When God created humans, He endowed them with His attributes. Thus, how grateful should a human be to God? The evil traits present in humans are not created by God but arise because humans have failed to use the auspicious attributes given by God.
"God does not tempt anyone, so when someone is tempted, they should not say, 'I am being tempted by God.' Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:15). (Temptation means to incite to sin.)
Since divine and evil traits are mixed in us, we must overcome evil traits through contemplation of divine characteristics. Divine prayer is a helpful aid in this process. (In conversation, it is appropriate to say that God is loving, but the correct scriptural statement is that God is love. 1 John 4:8).
1. Divine Person: God is characterized by being divine, meaning He is the first, the greatest, the best, and the eternal being. Although God is formless, He is a person.

Praise: "O God! Since You are God, You are greater than anything our imagination can conceive. Many salutations to You. Since the thought of Your existence was given by You, praise is due to You."

Praising GOD along with his attributes

• Omnipotent (All-Powerful): God is believed to have unlimited power and authority over all things. He is the Creator of the universe and sustains everything within it. His power is unmatched and absolute, capable of performing miracles and controlling the forces of nature. "Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You." — Jeremiah 32:17

• Omniscient (All-Knowing): God is all-knowing, meaning He has complete and infinite knowledge of everything — past, present, and future. He understands all thoughts, actions, and the true intentions of every heart. "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure." — Psalm 147:5

• Omnipresent (Present Everywhere): God is present everywhere at all times. There is no place or moment where God is absent. His presence permeates all of creation, and He is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or time. "Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?" — Psalm 139:7

• Eternal: God is without beginning or end; He exists outside of time and is not bound by it. His existence is infinite, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." — Psalm 90:2

• Immutable (Unchanging): God's nature, character, and purposes do not change. He is consistent and faithful, meaning His promises and truths remain constant over time. "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." — Malachi 3:6

• Holy: God is morally perfect and absolutely pure. He is without sin and is set apart from all that is evil or corrupt. His holiness demands righteousness and justice. "There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides You; there is no rock like our God." — I Samuel 2:2

• Just: God is fair and impartial. He enacts justice and ensures that good is rewarded and evil is punished. His judgments are righteous, and He holds all people accountable according to His divine laws. "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." — Deuteronomy 32:4

• Loving: God is characterized by unconditional and boundless love. He loves His creation deeply and seeks a relationship with humanity. His love is often described as selfless, sacrificial, and everlasting. "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." — 1 John 4:8

• Merciful and Gracious: God is compassionate and forgiving, extending mercy to those who seek it. His grace is unearned favour, offered freely to humanity despite their flaws and sins. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." — Psalm 103:8

• Sovereign: God is supreme and has ultimate authority over all creation. Nothing happens outside of His will or knowledge. He governs the universe with purpose and wisdom. "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all." — Psalm 103:19

• Faithful: God is trustworthy and keeps His promises. His faithfulness is enduring and reliable, and He remains steadfast in His commitment to His covenants and His people. "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations." — Deuteronomy 7:9

• Wise: God’s wisdom is perfect and beyond human understanding. He knows the best course of action in every situation and uses His knowledge to achieve His divine purposes. "To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen." — Romans 16:27

• Creator: God is the originator of all things. He created the universe, the earth, and all living beings. Everything that exists finds its source in Him. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." — Genesis 1:1

• Personal: God is not a distant or impersonal force; He is relational and desires a personal connection with His creation. He is accessible and can be known by individuals on a personal level. "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." — Psalm 145:18

• Transcendent and Immanent: God is both above and beyond all creation (transcendent) and deeply involved within creation (immanent). He is greater than the universe yet close to every individual. "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.'" — Isaiah 57:15

• Provider (Jehovah-Jireh): God is seen as the provider of all needs, both physical and spiritual. He cares for His creation, sustains life, and provides guidance, strength, and support. "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19

• Healer (Jehovah-Rapha): God is a healer who restores physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. He is seen as the source of healing and wholeness in many religious traditions. "For I am the LORD, your healer." — Exodus 15:26

Step 7 - Contemplation – Reflecting on God's presence and His Word.

Explanation: When someone goes to an official to make a request, they do not leave before the official responds. Similarly, if you enter God's presence to make a request, is it right to say "Amen" and leave immediately, without waiting for His response? At this stage, take time to reflect and write down the thoughts that come to you. Regardless of your religious affiliation or state of sinfulness, make an effort to spend at least one hour a day in prayer, on your knees. The transformation you experience through this dedication will be profound and evident. Glory to the Creator! Amen.
Praise: O Father, my heart rejoices and offers its deepest gratitude to You, who brings contentment to my soul. Your Word declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (*Psalm 16:11*). I know this to be true; therefore, I offer You countless praises.
O Father, I believe You will grant me time each day to seek Your presence. You, who spoke directly to the saints of old, continue to speak with those who earnestly seek You today. For this, my heart overflows with gratitude.
Merciful Father, the busyness, sins, and hardships of this world often leave no time to come into Your presence. Yet, I rejoice now, knowing that in the afterlife, there will be nothing but time to dwell in Your presence forever. Through Your will, Your works, Your guidance, and Your ways, may You be glorified for all eternity. Accept my prayers, my efforts, and my search for You through Lord Jesus. Amen.