Be cautious online. Many PDFs claiming to be "Charles Finney Experiencing the Presence of God" are actually re-packaged chapters from his Autobiography or Revival Lectures . Here are the genuine sources to look for:
Finney noticed that God’s presence often arrived when the human noise stopped. In his meetings, when he stopped preaching and simply prayed, the "power fell." A PDF on this topic often includes his "Law of Silence"—the discipline of ceasing from human effort to allow the Divine initiative.
His breakthrough came when he realized that his own efforts to create "righteousness" were futile; instead, he needed to submit to the finished work of Christ. Upon this realization, Finney describes a sense of profound peace where "all nature listened". This moment of justification was the prerequisite for the more visceral encounter that followed. Finney Had it out with God in the Woods | Christianity.com
Finney's ministry was characterized by a deep emphasis on the presence and power of God. He became known for his passionate preaching, his emphasis on personal holiness, and his commitment to social justice. His experience of the presence of God had given him a new perspective on life, and he was determined to share this experience with others.
So, how can readers apply the principles outlined by Finney in "Experiencing the Presence of God"? Here are a few practical suggestions:
: Finney described the presence as "waves of electricity" that provided a profound sense of peace and victory.