Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Scripture:
Exodus 32:7-14
John 5:31-47
Reflection:
"Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath." Psalms 106:23
Our prayers matter! Sometimes we think God doesn’t hear our prayers, because He doesn’t answer the way we would like. But that shouldn’t stop us from praying – especially for others. Intercessory prayer is such a privilege and so important! Sometimes we are the only one who sees a person in need, and if we don’t pray for them, who will? Don’t ever feel bad that "all you can do is pray." Praying is probably the best thing you can do!
I love this story in Exodus, because we see Moses reasoning with God, standing in the gap for his disobedient people and God actually changing his mind! . "So the Lord relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people." Exodus 32: 14
We may grow weary of praying for a brother-in-law who can’t seem to quit drinking, or for a child who has wandered from the faith. But don’t give up! Our persistent, faithful prayers will make a difference. We have the good example of St. Monica to encourage us and countless others who have stood in the gap, interceding when there seemed to be no hope.
I want to encourage you today to keep on praying for all those who need your prayers. Especially for those who seem to have lost their way. We may be the one who helps them get to heaven!
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently wrote her first book: God Speaks to Ordinary People – Like You and Me. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].