Day 36 · Drawing Near in Prayer · (NET2)
Following Israel’s grave sin with the golden calf, Moses pleads for God’s presence. The journey and the promised land are not enough without the Lord himself. Moses also asks to see God’s glory, and God answers according to his wisdom and mercy. We approach this holy God through Christ, receiving his grace rather than demanding an experience. Our deepest need is fellowship with the One who leads us.
Request
Lord, help me desire your presence more than the gifts I ask you to give. Amen.
Read
12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have been saying to me, ‘Bring this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. But you said, ‘I know you by name, and also you have found favor in my sight.’ 13 Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your way, that I may know you, that I may continue to find favor in your sight. And see that this nation is your people.”
14 And the Lord said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 And Moses said to him, “If your presence does not go with us, do not take us up from here. 16 For how will it be known then that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not by your going with us, so that we will be distinguished, I and your people, from all the people who are on the face of the earth?”
17 The Lord said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have requested, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
18 And Moses said, “Show me your glory.”
19 And the Lord said, “I will make all my goodness pass before your face, and I will proclaim the Lord by name before you; I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious; I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy.” 20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place by me; you will station yourself on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.”
Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).
Reflect
- Why does Moses say God’s presence is essential for the journey?
- How could your prayers reflect a deeper desire to know God himself?
Restate
Describe the difference between seeking God’s help and seeking fellowship with God.
Respond
Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:
- Praise: Praise the Lord for his goodness and holiness.
- Thanksgiving: Thank him for welcoming you through Jesus.
- Confession: Confess seeking his gifts while neglecting him.
- Intercession: Pray for leaders who need his guidance.
- Petition: Ask to know his ways and walk closely with him.
Carry it into today: Begin one prayer today by expressing your desire to know God, before listing requests.