How to know God Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria

Understanding God goes beyond mere words or reading sacred texts; it's about experiencing His presence in daily life. Pope Shenouda III emphasizes the importance of truly living with God — this means sharing each action and moment with Him, not just observing from a distance. In my own journey, I found that actively engaging in prayer and reflecting on my actions helped me sense God’s guidance more clearly. One profound idea from Pope Shenouda III is that true knowledge of God requires closeness, much like the way a relationship with a loved one develops through time spent together. For example, just as the prophet David expresses joy in being close to God, believers should seek an intimate connection, incorporating God into their daily decisions and actions. Moreover, Pope Shenouda III's explanation about taste and experience is enlightening. He compares spiritual knowledge to tasting a cake: reading about it is one thing, but tasting brings a real understanding. Similarly, reading about God can inform us, but living with Him and sensing His presence gives true knowledge. The pope also draws on biblical stories, like Peter’s journey of faith and the woman who recognized the Messiah through her personal encounter. These illustrate how faith deepens when we move beyond doubt and embrace God through lived experience. In practice, embracing trials and challenges can also reveal God's presence: sometimes, He allows difficulties so we can discover His support more profoundly. I found that during tough times, feeling and trusting God’s presence truly transformed my perspective and strengthened my faith. Incorporating these teachings into everyday life — through prayer, reflection, and engagement with Scripture — makes the divine relationship tangible and personal. This approach by Pope Shenouda III is a guiding light for anyone seeking not just to know about God but to know Him in truth and spirit.