How does seeking God's favor relate to our prayer life today? Zechariah 7:2 – A Snapshot of Seeking Favor “Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech and their men to entreat the LORD.” • “Entreat” carries the idea of earnestly seeking the Lord’s face for favor. • The delegation comes because they believe God truly speaks and intervenes—an act of faith in a living, literal Word. • Their question about fasting (vv. 3-7) shows they want God’s approval on their religious practice, not merely a rubber-stamp on their preferences. What “Entreat the LORD” Teaches Us about Prayer • Prayer starts with the conviction that God is present, attentive, and responsive (Psalm 65:2; Hebrews 11:6). • Seeking favor is less about convincing God than positioning ourselves to receive what He already delights to give (Matthew 7:11). • “Entreat” implies humility; we come as petitioners, acknowledging His sovereign right to answer as He wills (1 Peter 5:6). Favor and Alignment: Praying in Step with God’s Heart • Zechariah 7:4-10 reveals God’s answer focused on justice, mercy, and compassion. Their prayer was heard, but His reply redirected their priorities. • Parallel truth: 1 John 5:14-15—confidence comes when we ask “according to His will.” • Alignment check: – Examine motives (James 4:3). – Seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). – Let Scripture shape requests (John 15:7). Favor and Obedience: When Requests Meet Repentance • Zechariah’s audience had been fasting while ignoring the oppressed; God linked favor to obedience (Isaiah 58:3-11). • True seeking involves: – Confession (Proverbs 28:13). – Turning from sin (2 Chronicles 7:14). – Walking in the light (1 John 1:7-9). Favor and Relationship: Coming as Children, Not Merchants • Sharezer and Regem-melech acted on behalf of the community; today every believer approaches directly through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). • We seek favor because we are God’s children (Romans 8:15-17), not customers bargaining for services. • Relationship language—“face” (Psalm 27:8), “Abba” (Galatians 4:6)—shows prayer is relational before it is transactional. Putting It into Practice Today 1. Begin prayer times by consciously “seeking His face” before presenting needs. 2. Read a short passage of Scripture first; let it calibrate your desires. 3. Ask the Spirit to reveal any disobedience hindering favor; repent promptly. 4. Frame petitions around God’s revealed purposes—salvation, sanctification, justice, mercy. 5. Close with thankfulness, trusting His answer will further your conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29). Key Scriptures to Keep in View • Psalm 119:58 – “I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise.” • Jeremiah 29:12-13 – “You will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • John 14:13-14 – “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Seeking God’s favor, then, is inseparable from vibrant, obedient, Scripture-shaped prayer—a way of living continually before His attentive face. |
    |