Page 58 - Living Light Autumn 23

Monday November 6 - Powerful prayers
“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and
continue to find favour with you.” Exodus 33:13
One of the greatest lessons we can learn from the life of Moses concerns his prayer life. In today’s scripture, we find that in a time of great need Moses prays according to the mind of God. How many of us pray in this way? Moses is not praying somehow to get the nation to Canaan in ten days, but rather, “Show me your pleasure by teaching me, because in so doing I will know you and find favour through that knowledge.” Wow! That is so amazing and powerful!
Praying according to the will of God is Moses’ template. Although Moses’ prayer pre-dated Psalm 32 by 500 years, that psalm echoes Moses’ prayer: ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you’ (v 8). Moses prayed according to God’s will, knowing God wanted to instruct him and teach him his ways. Answered prayer remains a mystery. I advise you not to buy the next publication that offers you ‘the five keys to answered prayer’, because there will always be a sixth and a seventh!
Be comfortable in knowing, ‘“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord’ (Isaiah 55:8). Wherever you are in life, consider praying that you may know God’s ways and his thoughts – it might just bring the breakthrough you need.
Heavenly Father, please teach me your way (Psalm 86:11), that I may rely on your faithfulness. Amen.
Tuesday November 7 - People of his presence
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
Moses needed to hear these words above all others: “My presence will go with you”. As a result, God gave Moses rest. For the Israelites, this rest was to be found in the Promised Land. The word ‘rest’ means to settle down, to cease striving, or to repose.
Likewise, Jesus is wanting to take you on a journey to a prepared, promised place. The wonderful thing is that we do not need to wait until arrival; we can experience a foretaste now because we are in his presence. Jesus’ own words endorse this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). If we are willing to be yoked (to walk) with Jesus, he promises to give us rest for our souls. It is his gift to us!
In like manner, God’s presence gives us his peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled...” (John 14:27). This peace is not sent, it is given; a gift from the One who is by your side right now.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
56
Emmanuel, I thank you that you are with me, and that through Christ I can know rest and peace amid every challenge I will face this week. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY