But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. (Gen. 6:8 NIV)
Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned…the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (Gen. 39:4, 21 NIV)
Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. (Ex. 32:11 NIV)
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” (Ex. 33:13 NIV)
“O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes,” he said, “then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.” (Ex. 34:9 NIV)
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men. (1 Sam. 2:26 NIV)
The angel went to [Mary] and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28 NIV)
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)
Recently I was telling a prayer-warrior friend of mine about our family’s search for a new home. She prayed that we would be favored by God. I’m not sure I’ve ever thought to pray for that. But it got me wondering about what that means.
One website explains favor as
…Favor is not always used in a comparative way toward others. It sometimes simply means that the one favored is shown kindness and treated with a generosity and goodwill far beyond what would normally be expected. This is generally the favor that we receive from the Lord. We are treated much better than we could expect…Also, it is important not to think of this favor in material or worldly terms. God’s favor most likely will be given in spiritual blessings more than in material blessings. (http://www.learnthebible.org/favor-of-god.html)
So this is my prayer for you, for us, this week: that we would be favored by the Lord.
Mercy, Love, Compassion, Redemption, Grace-giving God,
For each of us there are in life decisions to make, challenges to face, difficulties to overcome. But You, who are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, know all these things and know each of us. For the gift of being held securely in the knowledge of your loving hand, we thank you. And, like Noah, Samuel, Mary, and others, we seek your favor. Show us kindness. Help us grow in wisdom and love. Pour out blessings upon us. And help us remember to rejoice exceedingly when we recognize your grace and favor poured out upon us. We pray boldly in the name of Christ. Amen.