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            One of the phrases that is often heard in a public prayer is asking God to be “be with….” someone in a certain situation of their life such as illness, travel, preaching, etc., or “be with us as we…” The phrase expresses the faith, trust, and confidence that one has in God that he will not leave us and cares for us. Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Casting one’s care upon God is asking him to be with them. As Christians we should petition God in our prayers for him to be with us to express our trust in him and the confidence that he will be.
            The Phrase “the Lord was with” is seen throughout the Bible and expressed the care that God had for that person of faith. The Hebrew author wrote, “Without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6). Those of faith petitioned that God should be with them in their walk of Life, and we should too. It should be noted that God’s being with one does not mean the absence of problems and trials in life. The great men and women of faith in the Word of God often faced difficulties far greater than what many of us will ever face.
            While the phrase “the Lord was with” concerning Noah, he was with him as the passage says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). God was gracious toward Noah and his family because of their great faith and obedience. “Thus did Noah, according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (Genesis 6:22). Paul wrote to the brethren in Ephesus, “For by grace you are saved through faith, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Just as Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord that brought about his physical salvation, and spiritual, the faithful in Ephesus found grace in the eyes of the Lord that brought their spiritual salvation.
            The phrase “the Lord was with” is seen in the life of Joseph when he was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar. The Genesis account says, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man…” (Genesis 39:1-2). Joseph suffered in various ways at times, but the Lord was always with Joseph and the providence and will of God worked in his life. Joseph was one of the great servants of faith mentioned by the Hebrew writer (Hebrews 11:22).
             The phrase “the Lord was with” is seen in the life of Joshua when he and the children passed through the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. God said to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The Lord was with Joshua as he and the children of Israel marched around Jericho. He was a faithful leader of God’s people and by faith they marched, shouted, and saw the walls of the city fall.  The city was given into their hands and the Bible says, “So the Lord was with Joshua…” (Joshua 6:27). The Hebrew author noted the faith of Joshua, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were encompassed about seven days” (Hebrews 11:30).
            As Paul was suffering various persecutions from the Jews Luke wrote, “Then the Lord spoke to Paul…Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace, for I am with you…and he (Paul) continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them” (Acts 18:9-11). The Lord was with Paul as he preached the Word of God through the Roman Empire freely or in prison.
            It is good and right for faithful Christians to pray “be with…” a brother or sister for a problem that they are suffering physically or spiritually. It is good and right to ask that the Lord “be with us” as we walk daily in the light of his Word.