In what ways can we apply Moses' example of prayer in our lives? Setting the Scene “ But Moses said to the LORD, “Then the Egyptians will hear of it! For by Your power You brought this people from their midst.” (Numbers 14:13) Israel is on the edge of Canaan, yet fear has sparked rebellion. God announces judgment, and Moses immediately steps between the people and divine wrath. His words become a master-class in intercessory prayer. What We Notice in Moses’ Prayer • He responds instantly; no delay, no debate. • His focus is God’s reputation: “The Egyptians will hear…” (v. 13). • He remembers God’s past deliverance (v. 13) and covenant promises (vv. 15-16). • He appeals to God’s character: “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion” (v. 18). • He pleads for pardon on the basis of God’s steadfast love, not Israel’s merit (v. 19). • He asks big—nothing less than national forgiveness. How We Can Pray Like Moses Intercede for Others First • Shift from “Bless me” to “Save them.” (1 Timothy 2:1) • Keep a list of people, churches, and nations; stand in the gap daily. (Ezekiel 22:30) Anchor Every Request in God’s Glory • Ask, “How will Your name be honored if You answer this?” (Psalm 79:9) • Pray that God’s fame spreads through each situation—health, job, crisis, or revival. Rehearse God’s Past Faithfulness • Like Moses, recall miracles already done. (Deuteronomy 8:2) • Journal answered prayers; use them as faith-fuel the next time you pray. Lean on God’s Character, Not Human Worthiness • Quote Scripture that describes who He is—“slow to anger,” “abounding in loving devotion.” (Numbers 14:18; Lamentations 3:22-23) • Confess that grace, not performance, is the ground of every request. Be Bold, Yet Reverent • Moses speaks frankly—“Pardon, please” (v. 19). • Scripture invites similar confidence: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16) Stand on God’s Promises • Moses reminds God of His oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 16). • We cling to promises such as Philippians 4:19 (provision) and Romans 8:28 (sovereignty). Persist Even When People Fail Repeatedly • Israel grumbled again and again; Moses still prayed. • Keep interceding for prodigals; God’s patience is long. (2 Peter 3:9) Identify with Those You’re Praying For • Moses calls Israel “this people,” yet he includes himself with them in earlier intercessions (Exodus 32:32). • Pray “we” and “us” more than “they” and “them,” recognizing our shared need for grace. Echo Christ, the Greater Mediator • Moses points forward to Jesus, who “always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) • Rest in Christ’s finished work even as you enter the ongoing work of prayer. Practical Takeaways for This Week 1. Choose one crisis (global or local) and spend ten focused minutes interceding for God’s glory to shine through it. 2. Write out five attributes of God; weave each one into your prayer language. 3. Review a recent answered prayer; thank God aloud, then use that memory to embolden a fresh request. 4. Commit to praying for a spiritually drifting friend every day at the same time Moses-style: honest, God-centred, persistent. Moses’ example shows that prayer is not a last-minute lifeline but a frontline ministry—placing ourselves between a holy God and a needy world, confident that He still delights to pardon, protect, and glorify His name. |
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