2 Chronicles 5:11-14 – “The priests left the Holy Place. All the priests who participated had consecrated themselves, no matter which division they represented. ¹² All the Levites who were musicians, including Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives, wore linen.  They played cymbals and stringed instruments as they stood east of the altar.  They were accompanied by 120 priests who blew trumpets. ¹³ The trumpeters and musicians played together, praising and giving thanks to the Lord.  Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they loudly praised the Lord, singing: “Certainly he is good; certainly his loyal love endures!” Then a cloud filled the Lord’s temple. ¹⁴ The priests could not carry out their duties because of the cloud; the Lord’s splendor filled God’s temple.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I heard, “Press into the presence.” 

In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, we see that the glory cloud filled the temple!  We clamor for the glory and miss something powerful.  The glory came after the priest had ministered in the Holy Place, and all had worshipped.  Then, I believe that to help us understand something powerful, we come to 2 Chronicles 7:1.  They did not pray in the presence; they prayed out of the presence.

They entered His Presence in Worship, and then they petitioned.   If we are in His presence, we see with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears.  We stop trying to twist God’s arm of reluctance and seek His purposes.

In His presence is His power.   In His presence is His provision.   In His presence is transformation.  We need to focus more on His presence than on our petitions.  Our petitions will become prayers of His promise as we learn to enter and abide in His presence.

In His presence, the robe of flesh is peeled away.  In His presence, He reveals Himself.   In His presence, there is peace.  Out of that peace comes confidence, enabling us to lay hold of His promises and receive His provisions.

Instead of praying for a move of God, we should pray for the presence of God.  Out of that place in His presence, we can pray with power and see His move!   More of You, LORD, more of You!

LORD, give us your Presence and we will fulfill your Purpose!