Author: Pastor Robin Tyner
There’s a profound difference between request-based prayers and worship-based prayers. We know that God is Spirit (John 4:24) so the idea of His “hand” and “face” are concepts designed to help us understand how He works and how we should relate to Him. In general, His hand refers to what He does for me. His face is who He is to me.
The beauty of who He is, the wonder of His character and the power of His name should become your primary passion for praying. Why? Because God longs to be sought. He is most glorified when we give our best effort to the discovery of knowing Him.
With God’s help, I’m learning when I limit myself to seeking God’s hand, it’s possible for me to miss His face. I’m grateful He provides what I need because He’s a loving and caring Father, but I may miss the intimacy He intends for me. On the other hand, when I seek His face, He delights in opening His hand.
The only enduring motive for prayer is that God is worthy to be sought. Since His worthiness will be the central focus of our worship in eternity, we’re wise to make it the focus of our prayers on earth. “You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).
As a result, something I’ve started is after spending time in prayer I reflect and ask myself, “How much time did I spend seeking God’s face?! How much time did I spend seeking His hand?”
Those questions help me see my prayer for His hand to work starts with keeping His face in view.
Photo Credit: Zac Durant, Unsplash
