In the passage above Moses was reminding the people of the nation's unbelief 40 years earlier, when they were afraid to enter Canaan.  There are indeed times in our lives when our problems seem so enormous that we don't believe that God will even listen to us, let alone solve the problems for us.  I mentioned the BP oil spill earlier.  Some are calling for President Obama to do more.  But the truth is, there is not much more that he can do.  This is a catastrophe which has never been experienced at this magnitude before.  While our leaders and scientists seek a resolution to this problem, it is a good idea for us to pray as well.

 

Some people may wonder why we are going to have a 24 hour prayer vigil.  Throughout the Bible there are instances where individuals have prayed continuously for extended periods.  Jesus often prayed all night long.  In the passage above, Moses prayed 40 days and 40 nights.  I am not saying that time is the determining factor as to whether or not God answers prayer.  But "importunity" in prayer has its place.  Our persistence tells God that we are willing to deny ourselves in our efforts to be heard.  Just as God responded positively to Moses after praying 40 days and nights, I believe that our sincere efforts will cause the Lord to listen to us as well. I hope that you will pray for us, and the prayer vigil itself, as we pray for you, and the problems that affect us all.