Today’s Reading: Genesis 24:10-27

Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah—daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor—coming with a jug on her shoulder.

Genesis 24:15

Meditation: At his master’s will, Abraham’s servant travels roughly 900 miles to Abraham’s hometown to find a bride for Isaac. Immediately after arriving in the town, he prays to God for guidance and provision and then begins his search. Unbeknownst to him, Rebekah, God’s answer to prayer, is already approaching him before he is finished praying. But more time will pass before the servant realizes that God has provided. The realization that Rebekah is a suitable bride for Isaac causes him to worship God.

God works in mysterious ways. In the case of Abraham’s servant, He meets needs even before they are uttered to Him. Because he has prays to God, the servant is able to realize that God can answer prayer.

If God knows our needs before we utter them, why pray anyway? Prayer is not only a way to communicate our needs to God, but also an opportunity for us to entrust God with those needs. By prayer we build a relationship of trust with a trustworthy God. In prayer, we grow closer to God and gain confidence in His faithfulness. Just as the servant showed through prayer that He believed God could meet his need, we can also go to God with all of our needs knowing that He will provide according to His Will.

Prayer: God, You are omniscient and wise. You are gracious to bless. Thank You for all of the ways that You hear our prayers and answer them. Draw us nearer to You, Lord, as we continually seek You in prayer. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Luke 13:18-35; Genesis 24; Psalm 17