A “type” in the Old Testament was a person who prefigured a person revealed in the New Testament (the “antitype”). In some ways Joseph was a type of the Christ who was to come. He suffered unjustly, forgave those who harmed him, and made provision for his family—all characteristics of Christ.

Another way that Joseph prefigured Christ was in his knowledge. When Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt the second time, Judah explained to Joseph all that had happened (Genesis 44:18-34). But Joseph already knew. In the same way God knows the burdens of our heart before we approach Him in prayer (Matthew 6:8). But He invites us to unburden our hearts before Him in order to experience an intimate time with Him. We are not informing God of anything when we pray. We are responding to His invitation to receive His assurance and love through prayer.

When you pray, be assured that God already knows your needs. Let your prayer time be an intimate time of sharing and fellowship with Him.

God knows us all together and cares for us in spite of that knowledge.
J. Charles Stern