October 15, 2023 - Exodus 32:7-14

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 Interceding with Insight: Lessons from Moses' Prayer

This Sunday I'll be preaching on Exodus 32:7-14, the remarkable account of Moses' bold intercession for Israel after their idolatry with the golden calf. Though God was ready to destroy God's rebellious people, Moses' passionate pleading moved God to have mercy instead.

As we'll see, Moses' prayer provides a powerful model for impactful intercession in a few key ways. First, his intimate relationship with God gave him insight into how to appeal to God's motivations. Second, his pastoral concern for God's people compelled him to passionately defend their cause. And third, Moses grounded his requests in God's own promises and character.

Ultimately, this passage highlights the immense blessing and power available through interceding for others. While Christ's heavenly intercession is the basis for our access to God, we as believers also have the privilege of blessing each other through prayer. As we bring the needs of our church family and community before God's throne, we participate in God's work of mercy.

Let this account stir your faith in the remarkable power of intercession. And may it move you to greater diligence and fervency in lifting up your brothers and sisters through prayer. As we pray for one another, we open the door for God's breakthrough and grace in our lives and church.

As you reflect on this passage, here are some questions to consider:

1.     What are practical ways you can strengthen your personal walk with God in order to gain more insight and effectiveness in intercession?

2.     Who is one member of our church that you feel specifically called to lift up in prayer this week? How can you tangibly intercede for them?

Let's keep our church bathed in prayer as we believe together for God's work in our midst. I look forward to exploring this important topic on Sunday!

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