I Love to Be in Your Presence

Theology & Meaning

This song expresses the Augustinian conviction that the human soul finds its deepest fulfillment not in created goods but in the uncreated presence of God. Augustine's famous opening — 'our heart is restless until it repose in Thee' — is the theological background against which Wimber's declaration 'I love to be in your presence' makes its fullest sense. The desire to be in God's presence is not sentimentality but the orientation of the human person toward its proper end. Psalm 27:4 — 'one thing I ask of the LORD, that will I seek' — gives this desire a biblical urgency: not a secondary preference but the organizing desire of the redeemed life. The theology of presence here is also Trinitarian: to be in the presence of the Father is to be in the location where the Spirit dwells and where the Son intercedes — the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

Worship Leadership Tips

A gentle, devotional song best placed in the heart of a worship set after the congregation has been drawn in through more celebratory songs. Creates a space of quiet adoration where the congregation can simply be with God rather than doing anything for him. Resist the temptation to over-explain or over-lead; your job as worship leader at this point is to model the posture of desire and then get out of the way. Works beautifully before extended prayer ministry or an extended response time. Pay careful attention to congregational familiarity. This song works most powerfully when people sing it from the heart rather than from paper. If your congregation is learning it, consider leading it across multiple weeks to allow it to settle into their memory. The pacing matters: rushing the tempo steals contemplative power. When positioned as a response to Scripture or sermon, let the word-music relationship speak without over-explanation. The song's theology is clear and will land differently in different hearts. Some worshippers need it for personal assurance; others need it to deepen understanding of Christ's work; still others sing it as thanksgiving for grace already experienced. Trust the song to do its work in the Spirit's hands.

Arrangement Tips

Piano-led with a gentle, arpeggiated accompaniment is ideal. Acoustic guitar in E (no capo) provides a warm, open sound. No drums needed; at most a light shaker or brushed percussion. Allow the chord changes to breathe — don't fill every beat. The song is most effective when it feels like there is space around the notes, as if there is room for the congregation to inhabit. A simple cello or violin sustaining notes in the upper register adds emotional depth without clutter.

Scripture References

• Psalm 27:4
• Psalm 84:1-4
• John 15:4-5
• Exodus 33:14-15
• Psalm 16:11