I had stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, as I did the first time, and the Lord listened to me at this time also. It was not his will to destroy you.

— Deuteronomy 10:10

Moses explains here that when he received the commands of God on tablets of stone, he prayed fervently for the people. This was the second time he had gone up on the mountain to receive God’s law, because the people had sinned while he was away the first time. The people had sinned so badly that God threatened to destroy them, but Moses interceded for them, and God heard Moses’ prayers and sent the people on their way. (See also Deuteronomy 9:7-29.)

When our hearts are troubled and seeking God’s grace on behalf of our churches, families, coworkers, partners, and other hurting or lost souls, we pray. It is powerful to pray and to be prayed for persistently. We pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is not unusual for people to intercede for others who are in need, such as homeless, sick, hungry, or displaced individuals. Even more, we can pray for people to repent and be forgiven. We count on God to move mightily in people’s lives and situations because we know God loves them.

James 5:16 assures us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. God listens to us, and Jesus, the Savior, faithfully intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Amazing!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit thank you for calling me to intercede for people and situations in our broken world. Help me to pray faithfully, as Jesus himself does. In his name, Amen.