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A Prayer About Resting Favor
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
Heavenly Father, it’s all right here in this doxological declaration, this angelic proclamation, this gospel-filled affirmation-everything my heart longs for, what I need more than oxygen itself, much more than I could ever hope for or imagine. To know with certainty that you are at peace with me-to know with felicity that I’m someone upon whom your favor permanently rests, all because of what you’ve done for me in Jesus.
Gracious Father, if non-redeemed angels were in awe of such a provision, how much more should I be staggered and astonished, but above all, humbled and grateful? How much of my life has been spent looking for favor-wanting to be wanted, welcomed and accepted? I’ve looked to people, work, success, spiritual discipline, things, education, exercise, food, even to ministry, to give me what you alone give us in the gospel.
Glorious Father, how I praise you that living in your favor doesn’t raise my self-esteem as much as it raises my Christ-esteem. What a most freeing paradox-as I come alive to every good thing you have given me in Jesus, I don’t think more of myself and I don’t think less of myself, I just think of myself less often. As true as this is, Lord, make it truer still.
Indeed, Lord Jesus, be praised, adored, worshiped, regaled, celebrated, honored and loved! For you are the Prince of Peace who fully paid the price of our peace, by your life and by your death on the cross. I dare speak of living in the permanent, unwavering, full favor of God only because he has placed me in you. Of all the addresses I have ever had in life, none is more treasured, none feels more like “home” than the one called, “in Christ.” So very Amen, I pray, in your holy and loving name.

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