Re: Verse reading–Exodus 32:1-19, 30-33; 33:12-17; 34:1-7 (day seven)
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”–James 5:16 (KJV). It is a burden. No way round this truth. Real prayer is eventually a relief and a blessing, but before that it is hard and holy work! It is also an expression of love. When we love people, we pray for them. Not in an easy, casual, convenient sort of way. With passion and perseverance. Like Moses in Exodus 32. Having received just a hint of hope from God, “let me alone so that my anger may burn against them”–32:10, Moses discerns an opportunity to intercede. Not for himself. Not even for them, I think, but in pursuit of the higher purpose of God. Reminds me of Jesus in Gethsemane. Reminds me also of God’s unchanging invitation. “Call unto Me and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know.”–Jeremiah 33:3. The highest purposes of God come only when we pray.
