YES to God’s Presence
Exodus 31:13
“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.’”
God,
thank you that your presence is not an abstract concept,
but it's real. It's personal. It's constant and comforting.
From Genesis to Revelation, as your Word reveals,
you are a God who walks with your people: not from a distance,
but in immediate and intimate companionship.
From the beginning of Genesis 3:8,
you walked in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve
and provided us a picture of divine fellowship.
Even after the fall, you never abandoned humanity, and we thank you.
Throughout Israel's journey, you reminded your people:
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
We know that Presence literally means “face,”
symbolizing your personal relationship and nearness to us.
Even when you sent Jesus, your companionship took human form.
As Matthew declares the incarnate Christ as Emmanuel,
you are with us, and through Christ, your companionship
became flesh and blood, tangible, compassionate,
and with redemptive love –
He who died for us and whom you raised on the third day.
Yet your companionship did not end with Christ’s Ascension.
You sent the Holy Spirit, the “Paraclete,” alongside us to help us.
And because you are not only with us, but in us,
our prayer today is YES to your presence.
Father, comfort us now.
Teach us, intercede for us, convict us, and empower us.
Go before us as our guiding presence.
Prepare our path and direct our hearts and our circumstances.
Go with us as our comforting presence.
Accompany us as we go through trials and loss and confusion.
God, be in us as our transforming presence.
Let your indwelling spirit renew us in the name of Jesus,
conforming us to Christ and as we walk in the image of Jesus.
As we attempt any class work meeting, ministry, gathering or task,
we remember your nearness,
and that you have gone before us
to guarantee us victory over whatever challenges lie ahead.
We say yes to your presence today in Christ's name,
Amen.
