Sunday, Oct. 19, is the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8.

The first reading (Exodus 17:8-13) in particular depicts prayer quite powerfully.

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel.

One good thing about problems is that they help to keep us praying. Israel was at war, and their enemies were strong; it was time to pray. It shouldn’t be necessary for us to have problems before we pray, but if we’re honest, we’ll probably admit that they certainly have a way of summoning us to prayer.

Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him: He engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur.

Notice that Joshua and the army did not go forth until after Moses took up his position of prayer. Prayer ought to precede any major decision or action. We should begin each day with prayer. Important decisions should also elicit prayer from us.

As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Remembering prayer’s power is an important motivator to keep us on our knees and at our beads. Pray!

Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile, Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other.

Prayer is not supposed to be merely a solitary experience. Do you have some spiritual friends who help you not only to pray but also to walk uprightly?

so that [Moses] hands remained steady till sunset.

With Aaron and Hur to help him, Moses prayed right through until sunset. They prayed right up to the end — and so must we. There is a mystery as to why God sometimes makes us wait; pray on anyway. We may get frustrated by the delay; pray on anyway. We may get fatigued or even lose heart; pray on anyway. Like Moses, we should get friends to help us, be we must pray on. Pray, pray, pray! Keep praying until sunset.

We may not fully see the results of prayer on this side of the veil, but on glory’s side one day, we will. Yes, God answers prayers.