Tucked away, separated by two books, is what really took place with Aaron and the people of Israel regarding the golden calf. It took place in Exodus 32 and the response of what took place was in Deuteronomy 9.

I was afraid of the Lord‘s fierce anger, because he was furious enough to destroy you; but once again the Lord listened to me. The Lord was also angry enough with Aaron to kill him, so I prayed for Aaron at the same time. – Deuteronomy 9:19-20 GNT

Moses not only prayed for the people of Israel, he specifically prayed for Aaron. Not only does it reveal the prevailing power of Moses’ prayer but there was much more love in his heart than I first imagined.

That is what the Kingdom of God looks like.

So when I read a Psalm like Psalm 93, the heart of the Psalm is a song acclaiming Our Lord the King. It exalts the Kingdom of God as the source of peace, truth and love. Is that not what I pray for when praying in the “Our Father” and I implore – “Thy Kingdom come!”

It is a short song but filled with real prayerful breadth. It instils confidence and hope in those who follow Jesus. For do I not sometimes feel restless, afraid of being overwhelmed by the storms and by the dark forces that come against me?

So I pray.

Sometimes I hope it is as dramatic as King Hezikiah.

King Hezekiah took the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went to the Temple, placed the letter there in the presence of the Lord. Isaiah 37:14 GNT

He prayed for what would be best for God – it was God who needed to show who was the true God to follow.

That is effective prayer.

Especially when we come with such a promise —

Because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. – Revelation 7:17 GNT

I pray for those whose pain they carry and are eager to have them “wiped away” and such an image of God changes the way I pray for you.

We not knowing: What to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helps our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and: What, and: How prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty. – Westminster Larger Catechism