Seeking God's Presence Through Prayer and Fasting

Bible Readings for Today

In today's message, we will be exploring three powerful passages of Scripture: Exodus 33:12–19, where Moses seeks to know God's ways; Psalm 51:13, which speaks of creating a clean heart in us; and Psalm 114, recounting when Israel went out from Egypt. These passages together provide a rich foundation for understanding how to seek God's presence.

Key Points to Remember

As we begin our journey of seeking God's presence, it's crucial to start with the right heart. When we pray, we shouldn't immediately focus on fighting against evil spirits or problems. Instead, we should first seek God's face, asking Him to draw near to us. This sets the foundation for a meaningful time of prayer and fasting.

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that brings us closer to Jesus. From the very first day of fasting with a sincere heart, we begin moving toward Him. Each day represents a step closer in our spiritual journey. It's important to persevere in this practice, as the cumulative effect of consistent fasting deepens our relationship with God.

One of the most beautiful aspects of seeking God's presence is learning to recognize the signs of His nearness. When we are in His presence, our hearts undergo transformation. Our prayers become deeper and more meaningful, and we experience His peace and love in profound ways. This transformation is a clear indicator that we are drawing closer to God.

Learning to recognize God's presence is a skill that develops over time. There are several signs that indicate God is near: a deep sense of peace in our hearts, a growing desire to read the Bible, answered prayers, changes in our heart and attitude, spiritual breakthroughs, a sense of unity with other believers, and experiencing joy even during difficult times.

In our journey of seeking God, we can learn much from Daniel's example in Daniel 9:1–19. His approach to prayer and fasting provides a powerful model for us to follow. He prayed with humility, repented of his sins, and earnestly sought God's mercy. This pattern of prayer during fasting has proven effective throughout biblical history.

It's important to remember that our ultimate goal is God's presence itself. While we cannot force God to come, we can prepare our hearts in such a way that He desires to visit us. This preparation involves standing before God in prayer, asking for forgiveness of our sins, and turning away from our wrong actions. This opens the door for His presence to fill our lives.

How to Apply This Teaching

To effectively apply these teachings in our daily lives, we should begin our prayers by specifically asking God to draw near. When engaging in fasting, we must remember that each day brings us closer to Jesus. It's essential to be attentive to the ways God shows His presence in our lives. Following Daniel's model of prayer—praying, repenting, and asking for mercy—provides a solid framework for our spiritual practice. Additionally, preparing our hearts through confession and repentance creates the right environment for experiencing God's presence.

Prayer for This Week

Dear God, create in me a clean heart. Help me to seek Your face above all other things. As I pray and fast, please draw me closer to You. Show me the signs of Your presence and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow Daniel's example of prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember

God wants to be close to you. He is waiting for you to seek Him with all your heart. When you pray and fast in the right way, you will surely find Him. Don't give up—keep seeking His presence.

May God bless you as you seek His presence this week. Keep praying and keep believing.