“Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is your people.” Exodus 33:13
There is no greater picture of the privilege of prayer than the favor God granted to Moses to speak with Him face to face, “just as a man speaks to his friend.” When Moses sensed The Presence of God he sensed the favor of God. Prayer invites His Presence, and His Presence produces The Favor.
“Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” Exodus 33:11
Moses prevailed in prayer, entreating God to remember His promise to His people. Moses didn’t just want to know about God, he wanted to know God. He needed a sense of direction from God, but he hungered even more for a relationship with God. Religion settles for knowing the ways of God. A relationship is built on spending time with God.
“Let me know Your ways, that I may know You.” V. 13
There is no real knowledge of God without engaging in face-to- face conversation with God. There is a difference between a religion with rules about God and a relationship that produces intimacy with God. Choose intimacy.
My friend, Jay Strack, often says, “Rules without relationship always breed rebellion.” Too often, people settle for rules about God says, and miss out on talking with God. Without a relationship with God, the rules rub them the wrong way. Rules without relationship rub people raw, and geton their last nerve. Rules never lead to rest, unless the rules are wrapped in a relationship with God.
“My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
What does that relationship look like? Prayer is not an option, but the very essence of it. Moses was granted a special privilege in His day. God condescended to have face-to-face conversations with him. You are offered the same kind of intimacy with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer provides you with a sense of God’s Presence like nothing else can. Jesus lives to intercede for His followers. He is seated at the right hand of The Father, and when you who call out to The Father in His name you will be heard, and answered.
Yet, far more precious than answered prayer, God offers His Presence. There is a great distinction between people who talk about God and those who talk with God. Moses sensed this special favor and refused to take a step for God, without knowing he was moving with The Favor of God.
“Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?“ v. 16
NOTE TO SELF: Prayer pours out The Favor of God on your life. When you pray you are not producing His Presence, you are practicing His Presence. Standing in the bed of a pickup truck holding an anvil in your arms is a foolish way to carry a heavy load. Soon your knees give way. The truck was built to carry the load. You were created by God to go to your knees. When you pray, you find God’s favor on you, and your rest in Him.
TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!