Scripted Prayer - Numbers 9-12

 Numbers 10:35-36 (ESV Strong's)

35 And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” 36 And when it rested, he said, “Return, O LORD, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”

Scripted Prayer

Moses had a scripted prayer.   I have never been someone who has written out my prayers.   I always thought that the Spirit of God is in me and will give me the words I need to say in prayer to the Father.   But, this passage brings out a different thought.  Moses had a prayer he stated each time before the nation marched out of camp and when they returned.   The primary point of this chapter is the people moving and being guided by God.   That is the point of Moses’ prayer.   He is not just obeying the “structure” of how they are to move (which tribe goes first, second, etc).   He is going beyond the structure and asking God to go before them and to live with them.   Our prayers can be scripted or spontaneous, but they should be prayers that invite God to direct our lives.  We need God to go before us.  We need to God to dwell with us.   That is what Moses prayed.   As we start our day are we asking God to go before us and to consume our enemies.   As we return each day from our labor are we asking God to reside over us and protect us.   Scripted or unscripted, prayer is the avenue by which we employ God’s grace in our lives.