The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 60: Intercessory Prayer
Date: March 1, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast: Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 60, Fr. Mike guides listeners through readings from Numbers 10, Deuteronomy 9, and Psalm 10. The episode explores the Israelites’ journey as they depart Sinai, Moses’ role as an intercessor during moments of Israel’s rebellion, and the significance of intercessory prayer. Throughout, Fr. Mike reflects on how the themes of divine mercy, human unfaithfulness, and the power of interceding for one another play an essential part in salvation history—and in our own spiritual lives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Numbers 10: The Departure from Sinai

• The Use of Silver Trumpets (01:40)
  • God instructs Moses on making silver trumpets for summoning the congregation and signaling the breaking of camp.
  • Trumpets are blown in specific patterns to organize the tribes and mark important communal moments.
• Order and Presence in the Journey
  • The tribes set out in a precise, God-ordained sequence—with the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant at the center, symbolizing God's constant presence.
• Leadership and Community
  • An exchange occurs between Moses and Hobab (his father-in-law), with Moses urging him to join and guide the Israelites, signifying the value of wisdom and cooperation in community.

2. Deuteronomy 9: Moses’ Intercession After Rebellion

• Reminder of God’s Sovereignty and Mercy (07:25)
  • Moses addresses Israel before crossing the Jordan, reminding them their victories are due to God’s faithfulness, not their own righteousness.
  • Quote [Moses, quoting God]:
    • “Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.” (09:15)
• Account of Rebellion and Intercession
  • Moses recounts multiple incidents of Israel's disobedience: the golden calf, Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth-hattavah.
  • Despite God’s anger, Moses repeatedly lies prostrate in prayer, interceding for the people.
  • Quote [Moses]:
    • “I lay prostrate before the Lord for these 40 days and 40 nights, because the Lord had said he would destroy you. And I prayed to the Lord, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy your people...’” (12:10)

3. Psalm 10: Prayer in Times of Injustice

• The Psalmist’s Plea and Confidence
  • The psalm opens with questioning God’s apparent distance during hardship but moves toward trust in God’s justice and care for the oppressed.
  • Notable lines include:
    • “Why do you stand afar off, O Lord? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (15:20)
    • “The Lord is king forever and ever...O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek.” (16:45)

4. Fr. Mike’s Reflection: The Power and Necessity of Intercessory Prayer

• Human Failure and Divine Mercy (18:00)
  • Fr. Mike discusses the significance of Moses as an intercessor and how Jesus, the “new Moses,” is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
  • Quote [Fr. Mike]:
    • “It took a mediator between God and man to give you his mercy. Jesus is the fulfillment of Moses…he stands in the gap, just like Abraham…interceding on their behalf and calling upon the Lord’s mercy.” (21:30)
• Being a Community of Intercessors
  • Emphasizes the importance of standing in prayer for one another—especially when life feels burdensome.
  • Quote [Fr. Mike]:
    • “We are called to pray for each other. We're called to stand in that gap and be like Moses, to stand in that gap and be like Jesus and to be able to say, ‘I'm lifting up my brothers and sisters right now...’” (23:10)
• Connection to Listeners
  • Fr. Mike acknowledges the challenges listeners face and highlights the reality of struggle in both scriptural history and our present communities.
  • Encourages everyone to rely on praise (“Judah leads the way”), persistent trust, and communal support.

Memorable Quotes

• On God’s Mercy:
  • “The depth of the heart of God is the heart of mercy. That even when we are unfaithful, God gives us his mercy. When we fall away, God remains steadfast.” – Fr. Mike (22:00)
• On Intercessory Prayer:
  • "We have our Lord Jesus, and he intercedes. He lives to intercede at the right hand of the Father. We have each other. So we keep praying for each other.” – Fr. Mike (24:00)
• On the Mystery of Suffering:
  • “Sometimes the ones who say, ‘Who cares about God, where’s God?’ seem to have even happiness...those who follow you sometimes seem to have more problems than those who ignore you...this is such a mystery to us.” – Fr. Mike, prayerful reflection (16:55)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• 01:40 – Reading of Numbers 10: The silver trumpets and marching orders
• 07:25 – Reading of Deuteronomy 9: Moses’ recounting of Israel’s rebellion and his intercession
• 15:20 – Reading of Psalm 10: The psalmist’s cry for deliverance
• 18:00 – Fr. Mike’s commentary: three key wilderness locations in Numbers and themes of the readings
• 21:30 – Reflection on Moses and Christ as mediators; intercessory prayer in salvation history
• 23:10 – Encouragement to pray for one another; building a supportive community
• 24:00 – Final remarks and blessing

Conclusion

Day 60 focuses on the journey motif—both for Israel in the wilderness and for listeners moving through the Scriptures. Fr. Mike draws a direct line from biblical intercessors like Moses to Christ, and finally to us, urging the community to remain faithful, continually support one another in prayer, and trust in God’s enduring mercy.

"We keep praying for each other. We give God praise and let Judah go up first. And we keep showing up." – Fr. Mike (24:10)

This summary captures the heart of the episode, the readings, Fr. Mike’s thoughtful connections, and guidance for daily spiritual life. Suitable for those who may have missed the episode or wish to recall its core teachings and moments.