Intimacy Through Fasting and Prayer: Reflecting on Exodus 34:28-29
“And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments … Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony was in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” – Exodus 34:28-29 (NKJV)
Finding moments of deep intimacy with God can be a challenge in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. However, throughout history, individuals seeking closeness with their Creator have turned to practices such as fasting and prayer. In Exodus 34:28-29, we witness how Moses experienced profound intimacy with God through fasting and prayer on Mount Sinai.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food or other worldly distractions for a set period. It allows us to detach ourselves from our physical needs and desires, turning our focus solely towards seeking God. When Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and commune with God, he embarked on a forty-day fast, abstaining from both food and water. This extreme act of denying himself nourishment demonstrates his unwavering commitment to seeking God‘s presence.
During this extended period of fasting, Moses engaged in intense prayer. These heartfelt conversations with God allowed him to pour out his soul, seek guidance, and grow in intimacy with the Almighty. As Moses communed with God in prayer, something remarkable happened – his face began to radiate with a heavenly glow. The physical manifestation of his intimate encounter with God became evident for all to see.
This account of Moses’ experience highlights the transformative power of fasting and prayer in fostering intimacy with God. When we set aside time for fasting, we create space in our lives to draw closer to Him. By intentionally abstaining from earthly distractions, we can redirect our attention towards seeking His presence, wisdom, and guidance.
Prayer, on the other hand, serves as the bridge that connects us to God during this time of fasting. It allows us to express our deepest desires, confess our shortcomings, and surrender our will to His. Through prayer, we invite God into our lives and open ourselves up to His transformative work.
Just as Moses’ face shone with divine radiance after his intimate encounter with God, our lives can be transformed when we prioritize intimacy with Him through fasting and prayer. This transformation may not be physical but rather spiritual and emotional. We may experience a renewed sense of purpose, clarity of mind, and a deepening of our relationship with God.
In conclusion, the story of Moses’ intimate encounter with God on Mount Sinai serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for intimacy through fasting and prayer. By deliberately setting aside time for fasting and engaging in heartfelt prayer, we create an environment where God‘s presence can be felt more tangibly in our lives. Let us follow in Moses’ footsteps and embark on a journey towards deeper intimacy with our Creator through fasting and prayer.
Fasting and Prayer: Presenting Ourselves to the Lord
In Exodus 34:1-2, we find a powerful example of how fasting and prayer can be used as a means to present ourselves before the Lord. Let’s explore this passage and understand its significance in our spiritual journey.
Exodus 34:1-2 (ESV)
“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.”
A Divine Invitation
In these verses, we witness a divine invitation extended to Moses by the Lord Himself. God instructs Moses to cut two stone tablets similar to the ones previously shattered in his anger. This act symbolizes a fresh start, an opportunity for both repentance and restoration.
Fasting as a Sign of Dedication
By asking Moses to prepare himself before coming up to Mount Sinai, God emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself in a state of readiness. This preparation involved fasting and abstaining from food and worldly distractions. Through fasting, Moses demonstrated his dedication, humility, and desire for spiritual renewal.
Prayer as Communion with God
Additionally, prayer played a crucial role in Moses’ act of presenting himself before the Lord. As he ascended Mount Sinai, Moses engaged in heartfelt communication with God, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and favour. Through prayer, he established a deep connection with the Almighty and humbly positioned himself to receive divine instruction.
The Power of Fasting and Prayer
The narrative in Exodus 34:1-2 teaches us profound lessons about fasting and prayer. Just as Moses prepared himself through fasting and prayer, we too can experience spiritual growth and closeness to God through these practices.
Fasting allows us to detach from our physical needs and focus solely on our spiritual hunger for God’s presence. It humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance. Through fasting, we express our willingness to let go of worldly distractions, paving the way for a deeper communion with the Lord.
Prayer, on the other hand, is our direct line of communication with God. It is through prayer that we pour out our hearts, seek His guidance, and receive comfort and strength. Prayer helps us align our desires with His will, enabling us to present ourselves before Him with sincerity and vulnerability.
Conclusion
Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that allow us to present ourselves before the Lord just as Moses did on Mount Sinai. By engaging in these practices, we demonstrate our dedication, humility, and desire for a deeper relationship with God. Let us remember the story of Moses and be encouraged to incorporate fasting and prayer into our own lives as we seek to draw closer to the Lord.
