The daytime cloud and nighttime fire in the sky were visible, almost tangible displays of God’s close presence with the Israelite people. He was with them at every moment. They lived in direct, intimate communion with God. Just think of it!

Yet you and I, too, live with the presence of God every day. The Holy Spirit dwells in our very hearts, making a personal relationship with the God of all creation possible. We enter into that privileged communion through prayer. Let’s pray together this prayer to the God who is at hand and draws near to us:

“Almighty God, the Source of Light and Life, you dwell in light invisible and yet reveal yourself to earth-bound beings like us living in darkness. You are always present in our lives. We thank you for who you are and for your daily revelation to us through our parents, benefactors, ministers of the gospel, and the Scriptures. We thank you for considering us so valuable that you would number the hairs on our head. Who else in the world would be bothered to know us like that?”