How does Ezekiel 48:35 encourage you to seek God's presence in prayer? The Promise in Ezekiel 48:35 “‘The perimeter of the city will be eighteen thousand cubits, and the name of the city from that day on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.’” What “The LORD Is There” Reveals About God • A literal future city bears His covenant name—He intends to dwell tangibly among His people. • God’s nearness is not symbolic wish-fulfillment; it is a concrete reality He Himself guarantees. • The title Yahweh-Shammah underscores His unchanging nature: the God who was present in Eden (Genesis 3:8), tabernacled in the wilderness (Exodus 25:8), filled Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), and will inhabit the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3). Why This Stirs Us to Pray • If He will dwell forever with redeemed humanity, He gladly welcomes fellowship now. Prayer becomes alignment with a destiny already secured. • The verse dismantles distance; when the city is named for His nearness, secrecy or aloofness from God is impossible. Prayer responds to that open door. • The promise is covenantal, not circumstantial. Even in confusion or dryness, “The LORD is there” remains true, inviting honest, persistent prayer. • Knowing He will physically reside among us fuels confidence that our present prayers reach a living, listening King (Psalm 34:17; 1 John 5:14). Practical Ways to Seek His Presence 1. Begin prayer by declaring the truth of Ezekiel 48:35—speak His name Yahweh-Shammah aloud. 2. Use Scripture-fed praise: read passages of His dwelling presence (Psalm 46:5; John 14:23) and respond with thanksgiving. 3. Practice silence after petitions; expect Him to commune, because the city’s very identity promises ongoing fellowship. 4. Carry the awareness into daily tasks: whisper short acknowledgments, “Lord, You are here,” anchoring every moment in His nearness. 5. Gather with believers for corporate prayer, a foretaste of the communal worship of the future city (Hebrews 10:25). Scriptures Echoing the Same Assurance • Psalm 145:18 — “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” • Jeremiah 23:23 — “‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the LORD, ‘and not a God far away?’” • Matthew 28:20 — “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • Revelation 21:3 — “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them…” Because the Lord literally names His future city after His presence, every prayer today can be offered with assurance that He is already, truly, magnificently there. |
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