Abraham "stood before God" pleading for the lives of those in Sodom who were just, begging God not to destroy the city for the sake of 10 who were just.
But, like us, he could not have done so unless God had first revealed to his friend Abraham what He was about to do. And God could not have revealed His plans to Abraham unless Abraham had first "walked" with God and "sat" with God.
Abraham's journey from his father's hous to a land "I will show you" taught him to walk with God. At every step along the way, God revealed His Presence and His friendship/ support/ love/ fidelity to Abraham: I am here; fear not. Walking together, they became friends; Abraham learned that he could trust and rely upon God, Who would not fail or abandon him.
Sitting with God under the shade of the great tree at Mamre, Abraham first heard of God's plan for Isaac--a name which means "laughter/ joy:" By this time next year...
Knowing God intimately, sure of His nature and friendship, Abraham finally had the boldness to "stand before Him." Like the priests entering the Tabernacle wearing the ephod/ breastplate which bore the names of the 12 tribes of Israel, we too enter the Presence of God bearing on our hearts the names, lives, situations of those we love. Standing before the Divine Presence, knowing Him and His heart of love, friendship, and divine compassion, we pray:
Let Your Face shine upon them, O Lord.... let them see your radiance; open their eyes and bring them out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Untie their shackles and set them free to praise You, their Creator and great Lover.
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