“Praying is not Always Pleasant”

Praying is not always Pleasant-

“Pharaoh said, "I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the desert, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me." (Ex 8:28closeExodus 8:28 28 So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.” (ESV) closeExodus 8:28closeExodus 8:28 28 So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.” (ESV) 28 So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.” (ESV)   NIV)

 

1. Praying for someone in authority, whose will contradicts God is a very challenging thing.
 
2. Knowing how to respond, on the spot, to their request with integrity is disconcerting.

3. Pharaoh wanted Moses to compromise God’s plan for him & His people. He tempted Moses by trying to convince him, he could “have it both ways”.

4. Moses test was the level of his trust in YHWH to provide; versus this powerful man who was standing in front of him.

5. Can we pray to God for someone who is at odds with God’s plan; if we clearly state to God that we are not in agreement with this person re their opposition to God; yet still pray on their behalf for conversion / Godly insight?

6. We are called to pray for those who persecute us.

7. God knows what the future holds; we must be faithful in the moment.

Jim Buckman