How can we apply Moses' example of seeking God's will in our prayers? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 3 finds Moses on the threshold of the Promised Land, looking back on decades of God’s mighty acts and looking forward with a request that will ultimately be denied. His words in verse 24 capture the heart of a man who knows God intimately and still longs to see more. “O Lord GOD, You have only begun to show Your greatness and Your strong hand to Your servant, because what god is there in heaven or on earth who can perform the deeds and mighty acts You do?” (Deuteronomy 3:24) What Moses Actually Said • He begins with worship: “You have only begun to show Your greatness.” • He recognizes God’s uniqueness: “What god is there…?” • He identifies himself humbly: “Your servant.” • He prays with bold expectation—yet will soon accept God’s “no” without complaint. Key Principles We Can Mirror in Prayer 1. Acknowledge God’s Greatness First • Moses sets his gaze on who God is before stating any desire. • Compare: Psalm 95:6; Matthew 6:9—Jesus teaches the same pattern. 2. Recall Past Faithfulness • Moses rehearses deeds already seen (Red Sea, Sinai, victories over Sihon and Og). • Doing so strengthens faith for present requests (Psalm 77:11–12). 3. Admit Our Servanthood • “Your servant” keeps perspective: He is Lord; we serve. • See 1 Samuel 3:10; Romans 12:1. 4. Ask Boldly, Yet Surrender Fully • Moses dares to ask for entrance into Canaan, even when previously told he would not enter (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 1:37). • Boldness is not presumption when paired with submission (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14). 5. Accept God’s Final Answer • God says “Enough of that; do not speak to Me again of this matter” (Deuteronomy 3:26). • Moses obeys, commissions Joshua, and views the land from a distance (Deuteronomy 3:27–28; 34:1–5). • True faith rests in God’s wisdom even when desires are unmet (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). 6. Seek God’s Glory Above Personal Gain • Moses’ primary joy is God’s greatness, not personal success. • Philippians 1:20 echoes the same aim: Christ honored, whether by life or death. Putting It into Practice • Begin every prayer with intentional praise—name specific attributes and works of God. • Keep a record of answered prayers and historic mercies; review them often. • Consciously state your role: “Your servant” or “Your child,” reaffirming dependence. • Present requests confidently, then add, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10; James 4:15). • When God’s answer differs from your hope, choose gratitude and move forward in obedience. • Let God’s glory, not personal comfort, set the agenda. Where to Go from Here Pray through Deuteronomy 3:24 this week. Let Moses’ words shape your own: celebrate God’s unmatched power, remember His mighty acts, ask boldly, and surrender willingly. In doing so, you will echo Moses’ faith and align your heart with God’s perfect will. |
    |