‘I know you by name and you have found favour with Me.’ Exodus 33:12 NIV
We’ve witnessed Moses talking with Papa God like a friend, saying what he truly felt and thought, and God wanted it that way. Let’s listen in on their conversation. When Moses said, ‘You have been telling me, “Lead these people”…You have said, “I know you by name and you have found favour with Me”’ (Exodus 33:12 NIV), he was mirroring back to God what God had previously said to him.
Have you ever said to your spouse or friend, ‘You were the one who said [fill in the blank]’? That’s what Moses was doing here—reminding God of His own words. The truth is, Papa God wants you to remember His promises and speak them in prayer. Not because He needs reminding, but because we do. In addition, His Word is the only word He’s obligated to fulfil (see Jeremiah 1:12). When you verbalise God’s Word in prayer, you’re praying in His will and you’re guaranteed a favourable hearing. So memorise Scriptures that relate to your needs and desires. Clothe your petitions in His promises.
For example, when you say, ‘Lord, You said whatever I ask for in prayer, believing that I have received it, You will do it for me’ (see Mark 11:24), it empowers your praying. Take care, however, not to take verses out of context. The very next verse tells us of a hindrance to answers: unforgiveness. (Mark 11:25) The more you learn of God’s Word, the more your prayer time will conform to His will and the more closely aligned you’ll feel with Him. Keep your Bible handy when you talk to God so He can direct your thoughts to the words He wants you to pray.
SoulFood: Dan 3–4, Luke 22:39–46, Ps 130, Pro 10:12
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©