READING: Exodus 8-10, Matthew 18:10-35
We read stories of prayer in the Bible, and I fear that we sometimes gloss over them. We quickly peruse them and then read on. When we do that, we miss an opportunity to be amazed by the power of prayer.
I must admit that I’ve done the same. As I have read the stories of the plagues on Egypt today, I realize that I had not focused enough on these texts:
- “After Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord for help concerning the frogs that he had brought against Pharaoh. The Lord did as Moses had said: the frogs in the houses, courtyards, and fields died.” (Exo. 8:12-13)
- “Then Moses left Pharaoh’s presence and appealed to the Lord. The Lord did as Moses had said: He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people; not one was left.” (Exo. 8:30-31)
- “Moses left Pharaoh and the city, and spread out his hands to the Lord. Then the thunder and hail ceased, and rain no longer poured down on the land.” (Exo. 9:33)
- “Moses left Pharaoh’s presence and appealed to the Lord. Then the Lord changed the wind to a strong west wind, and it carried off the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left in all the territory of Egypt.” (Exo. 10:18-19)
With each of these plagues, Pharaoh asked Moses to appeal to God, and Moses interceded. He spoke to God—and God heard. The texts quite clearly show us that God responded to each of Moses’ requests. Meanwhile, the Egyptians were following a pantheon of gods who could hear nothing.
Today, let us be disciples who are amazed by the fact that God hears and responds to our prayers – and then let us pray more.
PRAYER: “Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of talking to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 11-13:16, Matthew 19:1-22