Numbers 21:7b-9 (NRSV)
Read Numbers 21:7b-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. Verse 8And the Lord said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live." Verse 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Devotion
People pray in every part of the world. Some face a holy mountain. Others kneel before an icon. One lights a candle on a dining room table. Another sits quietly before a computer screen. In today’s text Moses offers the prayers of the people to God, who instructs that a bronze serpent be placed on a pole to which any may turn for healing if bitten by a poisonous serpent. While the imagery is strange and culturally remote, the inclination to turn to God in times of trouble and need is perfectly clear. What prayers do you most need to offer to God today? Where is your place for pilgrim’s prayers?
Prayer
God of gentle reassurance, thank you for hearing all our prayers no matter where we have offered them or how carefully we have constructed the words. Help us see that your ears are always open to our cries. We remember those who have lost hope and those who are too sad to pray. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.