The time period of forty days is used throughout the Bible, frequently when describing periods of fasting and prayer. We read about Jesus going into the wilderness for forty days at the beginning of His earthly ministry, Moses being prostrate for forty days to intercede for the Israelites after they made the golden calf, and various other examples. These were times of prayer and drawing near to God.
As I read Moses’ recounting of the Israelites wilderness experience in Deuteronomy (The Book of the Long Goodbye), I noticed his statement about the forty day intercessory prayer periods he undertook on behalf of the Israelites to plead with God to not destroy them.
What exactly were the Israelites doing while Moses was praying for them? There is no description given but I’m guessing they were just going about nomadic living experiences, gathering up manna, whining, quarreling with the neighbors in the tent two places down from them over their goats, just everyday stuff.
What were the disciples doing while Jesus was praying for them? Again, no description is given but probably napping or arguing about who would be greater or where to get loaves and fish.
There is a kind of comfort in knowing that while I am going about my daily activities, the mundane and the ordinary, I am doing so under an umbrella of prayer and a shield of faith. People pray for me on a daily basis and that is an amazing gift.
When I pray for others, they are not stopping their daily life even though they are being covered by my prayers. Some of them would perhaps not even be comfortable with being prayed for and lifted up before God. But it happens anyway.
God hears Jesus, the Spirit and others on our behalf even when we are unaware. The grace-filled gift of prayer and intercession does not have to be acknowledged by us. We receive the benefit even unawares, and we give the benefit even when it is doubted or rejected as unnecessary.
Who are you face down interceding for today?
Just Sayin' 